"A New Leaf", the latest CD by Ramona Borthwick features all original compositions performed by a Quintet that comprised Boston & New York based musicians. The albums unique sound reflects the influences of its members, each of whom bring an individual style and impressive talent to the group.
 [L-R: Fernando Huergo, Phil Grenadier, Ramona Borthwick, Ziv Ravitz, Noel Borthwick] |
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Ramona Borthwick: piano www.ramonaborthwick.com Originally from Bombay, India, Ramona Borthwick studied classical music earning a Licentiate in Piano Performance from The Trinity College of Music, London; and The Royal Schools of Music, London. Shortly thereafter, she moved on to explore jazz piano and vocal stylings. For more, read the bio. |
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Fernando Huergo : bass www.fernandohuergo.com Fernando Huergo was born in Cordoba, Argentina. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music (he also studied with Charlie Banacos, Jerry Bergonzi, Cecil McBee, John Lockwood and George Rusell among others) he is currently a Faculty Member in the Bass Department. His performances include those with musicians like Tom Harrell, Dave Liebman, Billy Pierce, George Garzone, Jerry Bergonzi, Dave Kikoski, Rick Margitza, Kenny Werner, Danilo Perez, David Sanchez, Don Braden, Claudio Roditi, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio Hernandez, Richie Flores, Paulo Braga, Romero Lubambo and Portinho. He has recorded over 70 albums, including 7 as leader. |
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Ziv Ravitz : drums www.zivravitz.com Ziv Ravitz was born in Beer-Sheva, Israel to a family of musicians. At 13, he began his professional career, playing in clubs in Beer-Sheva and Tel Aviv, acquiring experience in a variety of musical styles, such as jazz, rock and avant-garde. In the year 2000, Ziv moved to the US to expand his musical experience, graduating from the Berklee School of Music in 2004 with a Jazz Composition Degree. He performs and records with numerous ensembles in the New York and Boston area, and with musicians such as Hal Crook, Greg Hopkins, Joe Lovano, Lee Konitz, Eugene Friesen, Mick Goodrick, Eli Dejibri, James Genus, George Garzone. He is an official recording artist as part of the Minsarah Trio. Ziv has toured Europe with various groups such as TAQ, Minsarah, Sin, Nicolas Simon Group & the Iasi Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra. |
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Noel Borthwick: guitar www.noelborthwick.com Born in Bombay, India, Noel Borthwick grew up up listening to the music of progressive rock and jazz fusion groups. In his late teens, he developed a strong interest in bebop, modal and mainstream jazz styles, and was inspired by guitarists such as Pat Martino, Joe Pass, Jack Wilkins and the music of John Coltrane. The 1991 release 'Sound Matters', featured his quartet playing standards and originals. Noel is currently CTO of Boston-based Cakewalk (dba Twelve Tone Systems), producer of world renowned digital recording and sequencing software. |
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Phil Grenadier : trumpet www.philgrenadier.com Phil Grenadier originally hails from San Francisco, CA, where he grew up with his two musician siblings, bassist Larry and guitarist Steve. Moving to New York in 1988, Phil sought to expand his musical horizons by working with master jazz musicians to the then up-and-coming masters and those in between, including Bob Belden, Chris Potter, Freddie Hubbard, Richie Beirach, Terumasa Hino, Mulgrew Miller, Billy Hart. Phil has appeared on multiple recordings as a sideman and has released two CD's as a leader. |
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Guest artist Esperanza Spalding : voice www.esperanzaspalding.com Esperanza Spalding, bassist, singer and composer, began playing in small jazz and blues venues around her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Since moving to the East Coast, she regularly works as a freelance bassist, and singer locally and internationally. Spalding has worked with such notable artists as Michel Camilo, Dave Samuels, Mark Walker, Byron Stripling, Regina Carter, The Boston Pops Orchestra, Pat Matheny, Bill Stewart, Teri-Lynn Carrington, Adam Rogers, Seamus Blake, Patti Austin, and performed solo singing and playing as the opening act for Bill Cosby. She is currently touring with Joe Lovano along with drummer Francisco Mela, and will be performing with her trio at major jazz festivals this summer. She is the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Spalding holds a B.M. from Berklee College of Music where she currently teaches. Esperanza recently became a new artist for the management company Montuno. |