Dennis Duffin, Flamenco Guitar
Biographies of the Musicians
Dennis Duffin (Flamenco Guitar)
Originally from Toronto, Dennis Duffin has been an integral part of Joanna Moon's project since her beginnings in Toronto. While he also holds degrees in Astronomy and Physics as an active researcher, Dennis has a rich history in music. As a teen he played with Fiesta Gitana (Catalonian rumba group; e.g. Gypsy Kings, Peret) as well with more traditional flamenco artists. He is currently studying compositional aspects of modern flamenco music with Nicolas Hernandez (Esmeralda Enrique, Jesse Cook) as well as participating in international workshops such as with Jose Valle `Chuscales' (Spain).
Bartek Kozminski, Drums/Percussion
Bartek Kozminski (Drums/Percussion)
Born in Poland, Bartek is a graduate of the music program at Humber College and has a Bachelor of Music from Thompson Rivers University. He has been involved in projects fusing elements from Jazz, Flamenco, Reggae, Calypso, African, Afro-Cuban, Arab and Brazilian music. His current creation, El Mosaico is a brand new Toronto based project which brings together a unique blend of sounds encompassing elements of Flamenco, Jazz and Latin music. He has been part of Joanna's group since the beginnings of her project in Toronto.
Darek Kobylarz, Percussion
Darek Kobylarz (Percussion)
Darek Kobylarz, originally from Poland and has been active as a drummer & percussionist in many projects for over 20 years, including Afrodisiac with 2 cd releases ("Ugomania" and "Special Delivery"), Headroom and collaborations with Anton Apostolov. He has been also involved as a musician in theatre productions, both in Poland & Canada, working with Drama Theatre in Poland and Soulpepper Youth Outreach Program in Toronto and Rafal Sokolowski. With his fascination for moments of creation, he became one of the founders and an active member of Loofka Collective exploring improvisation and recently in the same field Name-Elektrik.
Jaro Cherwinec, Accordion
Jaro Czerwinec (Accordion)
From a Ukrainian background, Jaro is most known for his work with the Cowboy Junkies for whom he has toured and recorded with for over 20 years (albums such as The Trinity Session, The Caution Horses, Long Journey Home)). He also played with the polka band Black Sea Cossacks and with Daisy Debolt. Besides releasing his own albums (Dronehead [2004]), Jaro has played on albums for the Skydiggers (Bittersweet Harmony [2003]),Gordon Downie (Coke Machine Glow [2001]), and Clement Deschamps (Wolfsong Night [1994]).
Kevin Braun, Upright Bass
Kevin Braun (Upright Bass)
Kevin Braun is a gifted bassist and guitarist working mostly in Jazz, World/Folk and Rock ensembles. Originally from Calgary, Kevin began at a young age studying piano and guitar. Through his teens, he continued studying and performing until moving to Toronto where he completed his bachelor of Music at Humber College. Kevin also keeps a full schedule teaching Guitar and Bass in Toronto.
Caner Ustundag, Fretless Bass
Caner Ustundag (Fretless Bass)
Originally from Turkey, Caner currently tours with the Reggae Cowboys. He studied jazz at Grant MacEwan College with John Taylor. His Career highlights include performances with Albert Lee, Alfie Zappacosta, Jack Langley, Andrew Glover, Kent Sangster sextet, and recordings as a sideman with Michael Joseph.
copyright © 2007
web design and webmaster Dennis Duffin