Sofia Rei

Argentina-born Latin jazz vocalist Sofia Rei handles a challenging mix of South American rhythms and jazz-inflected harmonies with an ease that doubtless makes many jazz divas gnash their teeth in envy. A passionate, sophis- ticated, and inventive vocalist, Rei has lived in New York since 2005 – long enough to record, perform and collaborate with everyone from Bobby McFerrin to John Zorn. Her albums include Ojalá and Sube Azul. Whether singing in Spanish, Portuguese, or English, this award-winning performer combines inventive flair with an encyclopedic knowledge of indigenous musical traditions including Colombian, Afro-Uruguayan, and Afro- Peruvian. Ultimately, though, Rei is a romantic who has charmed and enthralled festival audiences literally around the world. Her band, an international cast of great players from North and South America, includes Eric Kurimski guitar, Jorge Roeder acoustic bass, and Yayo Serka drums.