During my U.S. concert tours in 2005 and 2006, I had the pleasure of performing with ASHANTI and both sets of shows were wonderful musical experiences. This group is a very tight musical unit and the group's music is fresh, groovy, well-performed and on a high level. Gabriel Espinosa and I founded the very first ASHANTI group in Boston in the early 80's and I am very proud to see that the band's spirit is still very much alive and well in the 21st century!!!
Ashanti Latin Jazz: Reviews
I had a ball sitting in with ASHANTI, this marvelous group! The band sounds tight and swings graciously in every style they play. But what I enjoyed the most is the way their friendly vibe comes across in the performance. This is truly happy music played with a lot of heart! Thanks for sharing it with me!
"Fabulous!" is all that we can say about what ASHANTI provided to us for our wedding reception on Friday. Thank you so much...the comments we have heard from others made our event one that will truly be remembered. And your C.D.'s were also much appreciated by the family and friends who received them. Again, thank you so much!
Bill & Karen Kalianov - Newlyweds
ASHANTI is a delightful group of musicians who would be at home anywhere, as their music crosses all the musical borders many times over. Each member is an expert and the sum is even greater than the parts.
Having ASHANTI play for our wedding reception made me feel like ours was unique. We had people of all ages dancing the night away to the beautiful sounds of their jazz and Latin mix. My husband and I also asked the band to learn our wedding song "Lover's Rock" by Sade, and it was done even more beautifully than if it were on a CD. The female vocalist and entire eight piece band were just the right touch to making our wedding day perfect.
Tisha Harms & Nate Taylor - Newlyweds
One of my most pleasant surprises was to find a group in the middle of Iowa playing great Brazilian and Latin music. This was ASHANTI. They explore not only a wide variety of styles, but the quality of the material they perform is excellent. I heard them playing music by some great Brazilian composers who are not so well-known in the US, and also some original material that shows an excellent degree of musicianship and dedication. As I got to know their leader, Gabriel Espinosa, I came to understand why. Gabriel is more than an outstanding bassist; he is a true champion of quality music, and he has managed to assemble a band that sounds cohesive and knows how to groove in rhythmic pockets like the best of them. Congratulation to Gabriel and ASHANTI for showing how it's done!
ASHANTI has a lot to offer anyone planning a special occasion...a wide range of styles and sounds perfect for almost any event.
As jazz fans in central Iowa, we feel very fortunate to have discovered ASHANTI in the summer of 1998 when they were performing on a warm Thursday evening in Valley Junction. As we listened to this wonderful latin jazz, we both knew that we would be loyal fans of this talented group of musicians. Each member brings his own
special talent to create this unique and wonderful sound, and we continue to be amazed, excited, and entertained by their versatility and creativity.
Dave & Kay Williams - #1 Fans
ASHANTI is a creative, cohesive ensemble that will leave a lasting impression on any listener. Their music soars and will take you on a journey that you will not forget.
We found ASHANTI to be helpful and responsive in all aspects of the initial planning. They arrived promptly, and were set up and ready to go early...But most importantly, we found their performance to be spectacular! The sound of this particular combination of instruments is exquisite, as are the group's original, creative arrangements. These people are artists in every sense of the word. Despite amplification and a large, loud, performance space, they were able to finely tune the sound and color balance to enable us to hear effortlessly their flawless, clear ensemble as well as beautifully sculpted solos. The rhythmic nuance of their playing is breathtaking, and their vibrant energy is inspiring, infectious, and heart warming. They've performed for us before, and I can't imagine not having them again.
I can't tell you how happy we are to have a talented group like ASHANTI play for our customers at the winery. We always expect exceptional crowds every time they are scheduled to perform. The dancers that follow the Ashanti Latin Jazz group are exactly the clientele we, here at the winery, enjoy having in our establishment. I am amazed at the quality of music and the selections they perform. I hope to continue our relationship and wish ASHANTI the best of successes.
You guys were absolutely awesome! We walked into the reception hall a little nervous, not knowing what to expect. As the doors swung open and we heard the music...we turned to each other and smiled. We knew we had made the right choice by having you guys come out and play. The music was incredible and made our wedding a success. Not only did you set the perfect mood, but your musicianship was incredible! Coming from two musicians in the biz, we can tell you that from the drums to keys to guitar, bass, and vocals...everything was tight. Perfect!
On behalf of The Science Center of Iowa, I want to thank you and everyone in ASHANTI for a wonderful Jazz In July evening. In spite of the heat, you gave an outstanding performance and it is evident by the large number of people who remained until the very end, you have a very loyal and dedicated following. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you again at SCI.