- Genre :: Jazz
- Listen :: Peruchin
- View :: Band Website | Mark Merella's MySpace
- download :: HiRes Image
Duende Quartet, an ensemble devoted to playing Latin jazz, draws inspiration from the concept behind its name. Duende, literally meaning goblin or imp, has been used to describe jazz’s subtle, emotional power. Kenneth Tynan, one of several writers using the term to describe the understated music of jazz pioneer Miles Davis, defined duende as “...the ability to transmit a profoundly felt emotion with the minimum of fuss and the maximum of restraint.” Inspired by such qualities, the Duende Quartet crafts a unique Latin jazz sound in the styles of Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo as well as Blue Note Records’ legendary 1960s sound. In a unique small group setting—with piano, bass and two hand percussionists—the ensemble captures the vibe of the jazz combo while using the rhythms of a Cuban conjunto. Its repertoire ranges from traditional Cuban songs to arrangements of jazz standards—all pieces strike a balance between danceable groove and effortless improvisation.
Duende Quartet, based in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland areas, was formed in 2004. The group toured Turkey, Albania, Cyprus and Bosnia in February 2007 as part of The Rhythm Road. Band members have played together in many settings, including with Palmetto recording artists Rumba Club.
Harry Appelman (piano) has performed on five continents including notable stops in Egypt in February 2008 with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra as well as a U.S. State Department tour of the South and Central Americas in 2002. In addition, Appelman has toured with the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Artie Shaw Orchestra. Appelman is also a member of the Latin Jazz group Afro Bop Alliance—winners of a 2008 Latin GRAMMY®—and he plays frequently with Palmetto recording artists Rumba Club. Appelman graduated from the New England Conservatory with a master’s degree in music and from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree.
Mark Merella (percussion) is a seasoned jazz professional—his career spans over 25 years and covers a wide range of styles. Merella has performed with Fred Foss, Rene Mclean, Tom Williams, Eva Cassidy, Mary Wilson and percussionist Steve Berrios, co-founder of the Fort Apache Band. Merella has played at numerous international embassies as well as the White House and the Kennedy Center. A career highlight includes playing with the Latin Jazz All Stars alongside Steve Turre, Ray Vega and Andy Gonzalez. His educational experience includes residencies, workshops, private lessons and recording for the Warner Bros. band method series, which is used in high schools across the country.
Josh Schwartzman (bass) has participated extensively in the East Coast Latin and jazz scenes in America. Schwartzman is best known as founder, bassist and contributing arranger and composer for Rumba Club since the renowned group’s inception 22 years ago. He has performed in Washington D.C. area musical theater—most recently appearing in the 2008 Israeli operetta "David in Shadow and Light." Schwartzman has studied at Towson University, the Creative Music Studio and the Peabody Institute of Music.
Sam “Seguito” Turner (percussion) is best known for his 15-year long tenure as sideman with Lionel Hampton. He has also worked nationally and internationally with Machito, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Charles Mingus, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Garth Fagen Dance Theater, Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Randy Weston, Don Pullen and others. Turner is a recipient of the United Nations Peace Award. Residing in Washington, D.C., Turner performs with Rumba Club, works with the Prince George's Arts Council teaching and performing in schools and serves as a resident adjunct professor at Towson University.
