New York-based award winning Slovak jazz & world-music singer & lyricist Hanka G is presenting music from her two latest albums accompanied by one of the finest jazz musicians in New York jazz scene Anthony Wonsey, Lonnie Plaxico & Taru Alexander.
Hanka will be presenting music from her second solo CD “Essence” (2014) dedicated to Slovak folklore music re-arranged to jazz creating a very unique fusion and third solo CD “Twin Flame” (2016) where she is introducing herself as a talented lyricists vocalizing instrumental tunes of domestic as well as world famous jazz piano players. Both CDs have been nominated for “The Best Jazz Record of the Year“ in “Radio_Head Awards“ in Slovakia.
Hanka G is one of the most acclaimed Slovak jazz singers and the recipient of the most respected jazz award in Slovakia, Martonik’s award - “Jazzman of The Year 2017”. She is the second woman awarded this honor within 26 years. With her signature blend of jazz, soul, gospel and world music, she has performed on the domestic and international jazz scene for well over a decade. Hanka has released three solo albums under her own name as well as collaborations with Slovak and American musicians. She opened for Kurt Elling and Cassandra Wilson in Europe. With Cassandra Wilson’s support and representation by Ojah Media Group, Hanka moved to NYC under her sponsorship in August 2016. Besides being actively involved & performing at the NY Jazz scene, Hanka is also the guest lead singer for the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem. She has performed with Anthony Wonsey, Marcus McLaurine, Kris Funn, John R. Lamkin, Theo Hill, Marc Cary, Essiet Okon Essiet, Reggie Workman, Rodney Kendrick, Kenny Davis, Mimi Jones among others.
Band members:
Anthony Wonsey(piano) - graduate of prestigious Berklee College of Music played with Roy Hargrove and Antonio Hart, among others. While still at Berklee, Anthony toured with Christopher Hollyday, Nnenna Freelon, and Kenny Garrett. During the past few years, Anthony has played regularly and recorded with the groups of Carl Allen, Nicholas Payton & Chico Freeman. His debut CD as a leader, Anthonyology, was recorded for the Japanese Alfa Jazz label and released domestically by Evidence.
Lonnie Plaxico (bass) – Grammy award winning Chicago born bassist, performed with during his successful career with Chet Baker, Dexter Gordon, Wynton Marsalis, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition. Presently, Plaxico is the musical director and featured bassist for Cassandra Wilson; their critically acclaimed and award-winning collaboration has now spanned fifteen years. Plaxico's recording and performance catalog is equally impressive for its caliber, depth and diversity. He has appeared on many award winning albums and recorded five critically acclaimed albums as leader.
Taru Alexander(drums) - is a son of legendary tenor saxophone player Roland Alexander. Taru performed domestically and internationally with Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Roland Alexander, Roy Hargrove, Carlos Garnett, Rodney Kendrick, Branford Marsalis, Danny Mixon, Gary Bartz, Carlos Garnett, Reggie Workman, Bill Saxton, Kenny Davis, Lonnie Plaxico, Bill Lee and many more…During his three decades of professional successful career, Taru appeared as a side man on more than fifty albums. As a leader, Taru recorded in 2014 album titled “KoJo Time“ released under the Jazz Leadsheet label paying tribute to his father
"The best of the next generation!"Hanka acknowledged by Cassandra Wilson - the best American jazz singer according to TIME magazine & two time Grammy winner
"Just took time to listen to your Twin Flame CD. You have produced a beautiful product. I believe you have a brilliant career ahead of you. Glad to hear your music and sensitive lyrics." Reggie Workman - American avant-garde jazz & hard bob double bassist, recognized for his work with both John Coltrane and Art Blakey.
"The woman's voice is worth gold in all positions" Andreas Schiffmann, Germany
"One of the most talented jazz singers of the present times. There are not many singers from Europe who truly embody jazz when they sing. Hanka is not trying to sing jazz - she comes by it naturally. Her vibrant, gospel-filled voice with the vocal power of a Mahalia Jackson expresses sorrow but also resolution." Hanka acknowledged by Jan Hocek.
"I loved listening to your CD Twin Flame, it's very soulful. You have a wonderful project and your singing is quite superb! Wishing tons of success." T.K. Blue - American jazz saxophonist, flautist, educator and musical director of legendary pianist & composer Randy Weston. T.K. is known for his cooperation with Don Cherry, Abdullah Ibrahim and Jayne Cortez.
