Overproof in Concert

Annual Global Cuba Festival. January 13th, 2008.

Miami Light Project and Fundarte present the Latin Jazz trio Overproof as the kick off concert for the 1st Annual Global Cuba Festival at Spiegelworld Miami Beach. Overproof is a Latin-jazz based power trio who have recently released their debut recording on the Japanese EWE label and Spanish SONIFOLK label, entitled "3 Guys Walk Into A Bar". The band was originally formed as a collective by drummer Robby Ameen featuring Cuban Octavio Kotan on guitar and Nuyorican Ruben Rodriguez on bass. The band incorporates Latin timba, rock, jazz, and funk elements into one hard-hitting sound, which is truly unique in today’s ever-growing eclectic world of music. The concert will take place at Collins Park on 22 Street and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Robby Ameen was the original drummer in Ruben Blades’ Seis del Solar and spent over 15 years touring and recording with the band. He has recorded extensively over the years with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Paul Simon, Eddie Palmieri to David Byrne. Robby is also co-author with Lincoln Goines of the best-selling instructional book and CD: Funkifying the Clave: Afro Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums, which has sold over 35,000 copies worldwide. Robby is an active clinician, performing at Modern Drummer Day, Montreal Drum Festival, NAMM and PAS shows, to name a few, as well as internationally. His website is: www.robbyameen.com
 
Octavio Kotan is the son of one of Cuba’s most legendary guitarists and tresistas, Octavio Kotan’s remarkable career reflects the richness of the three cities he has made home during his lifetime: Havana, Madrid, and currently, New York City. While in Cuba, Octavio played and arranged for many of the most influential bands on the island, including Los Van Van, Irakere, and The Tropicana Orchestra. He was also an original member of one of Cuba’s first groundbreaking "Timba" style bands led by singer Isaac Delgado. Octavio is also the composer of most of Overproof’s songs.
 
Bassist Ruben Rodriguez has played on over 250 records. He has recorded with practically every major Salsa artist of the last twenty years, including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, , Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, and Isaac Delgado, to name a few. He has been the bassist of choice for famed producer Sergio George, and is credited with having helped create the modern New York Salsa sound, particularly through his work with Marc Anthony and having been musical director for the innovative band DLG. Ruben is also a veteran of the jazz and R & B scene having recorded and toured extensively with Dave Valentin, Grover Washington Jr., and Roberta Flack. Ruben is currently the bassist for the Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, and also for the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
 
For more information, please call: 305.576.4350