Joe Locke

Also featuring Jaka Kopač (sax), Ameen Saleem (bass) and Vladimir Kostadinovic (drums), 'Amaranth' unites four musicians with a shared musical mission, namely to find the beauty not only in their common ground but in the differences between them which have resulted from each member's personal and cultural experiences. “I call this project Amaranth because, like the plant itself, this band is a seasonal perennial which flowers once a year to share its offering. The occasion of our meeting is joyful and meaningful for the four of us and always results in some special music. The group’s repertoire is derived from many influences - American Jazz, Celtic and Folk traditions, as well as an aesthetic which comes from contemporary chamber music. Whatever its influences, Amaranth’s prime directive is to connect and communicate directly with its audience, leaving them feeling renewed after a concert.” Locke is a six-time recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association’s “Mallet Instrumentalist of the Year” Award, has received two Earshot Golden Ear Awards for “Concert of the Year”, the Hot House NYC Jazz Awards for Best Vibes Player, and keeps topping critics and readers polls. In 2016 Joe was honoured with his induction into the Music Hall of Fame of his hometown Rochester, NY. “In the select group of contemporary vibes players, Locke has claims to head the list.” — Penguin Encyclopedia of Jazz