Jazz Standard continues to uphold its longstanding reputation as a vital incubator of up–and–coming jazz talent. Tonight we’re proud to present alto saxophonist and composer Godwin Louis in his Jazz Standard debut as a leader. Godwin has studied and performed with stars ranging from Herbie Hancock and Jimmy Heath to Patti Labelle and Madonna; this engagement celebrates the release of Global, his ambitious double–CD debut. “Global focuses on and explores the history of music in the American continent,” says Godwin Louis. “It traces the roots via West Africa, and its journey through the four hubs of music in the Americas: Congo Square/New Orleans, Santiago de Cuba, L’Artibonite/Haiti, and Bahia/Brazil. Today the people, culture and music that were brought from Africa to those places is now Global Culture." Godwin Louis – alto saxophone Billy Buss – trumpet Obed Calvaire – drums Gilad Hekselman – guitar Hogyu Hwang – bass Axel Tosca Laugart – piano Markus Schwartz – percussion Pauline Jean – voice