CANCUN JAZZ FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP
VOCALIST & GUITARIST
RAY PARKER JR.
Most widely known for his smash hit "Ghostbusters", Ray was initially a top call studio musician from Detroit. Playing on some of pop music's biggest hits before becoming a bona fide hit songwriter and Artist. With his group Raydio, he had 3 massive hits with "Jack and Jill", "You Can't Change That" and "A Woman Needs Love". As solo Artist he topped charts again with "The Other Woman". And in 2006 he crossed to Jazz with his hit album "I'm Free", featuring his incredible guitar playing.
GUITARIST
TIM BOWMAN
Prior to his first album release in 1996, Tim was the music director for The Winans. The Detroit native's first #1 hit song was 2004's "Summer Groove". Since then he has been racking up multiple #1 songs with every subsequent album release, including his latest single "Ocean Breeze".
Guitarist
PAUL BROWN
Double Grammy winner, Paul Brown, both as an artist and producer, is responsible for more than 60 #1 contemporary jazz radio hits! PB has produced and shared the stage with a who’s-who of music royalty such as Luther Vandross, George Benson, Patti Austin, Boney James, Norman Brown, and Peter White, just to name a few.
Bassist
BRIAN BROMBERG
Since joining the Stan Getz quintet in 1979 at only 19 yrs old, Brian has toured and recorded with over 100 of the biggest names in all music genres. From Bob James to Sting. A Grammy Nominated Artist with studio releases since 1986.
Violinist
KAREN BRIGGS
Performing for over four decades with the likes of: The Royal Philharmonic, Yanni, Stanley Clarke, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Kirk Franklin, Annie Lennox and Wu Tang Clan. From the US to The Taj Mahal and China's Forbidden City! She has traveled to over 50 countries to entertain audiences as a featured soloist.
Saxophonist
EVERETTE HARP
One of the all time greats in contemporary jazz saxophone. His initial career involved touring with Anita Baker, Kenny Loggins; Recording the Entertainment Tonight, Soul Train and At The Movies themes; Jamming with President Clinton; Arsenio band regular and sharing the stage or records with the likes of Luther Vandross to Aretha Franklin. On top of all the above an impressive solo recording career since 1992!
KEYBOARDIST AND VOCALIST
FRANK McCOMB
The perfect combination of Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Frank has worked with many of the entertainment industry's giants including but not limited to: Prince, Branford Marsalis, George Duke, Gamble and Huff, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Teena Marie, Valerie Simpson, Philip Bailey, and more.
Guitarist
CHIELI MINUCCI
Longtime leader of the Grammy Nominated group Special EFX. As well as a 3 time Emmy winning composer. 9 studio albums released since the 90s with multiple Smooth Jazz hits.
Guitarist
NILS
13 studio albums released with more than 20 Top 10 Billboard hits. Billboards #1 Smooth Jazz Airplay Artist for 2021 and 2023. A 19 year legacy of radio hits that began with making contemporary jazz history with his first #1 “Pacific Coast Highway” (Billboard’s Song of the Decade 2001-2010). Followed up by the song of the year 2011 "Jump Start", which stayed an amazing 11 weeks at #1 on the charts!
Saxophonist & Flutist
NELSON RANGELL
Since the late 80s: one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre. 20 CD releases to date with multiple hits in contemporary and smooth jazz charts.
FLUTIST
KIM SCOTT
2021 Smooth Jazz Network's BEATS magazine named Scott its "Breakout Artist of the Year". When she is not putting out hit radio singles, she is busy as a radio host, and heads the music department at the Alabama School of the Fine Arts!
KEYBOARDIST
BEN TANKARD
A former professional basketball player who, after a career ending injury, pivoted to become an American gospel/jazz keyboardist, producer, songwriter, and author. In his spare time :) Ben also is a motivational speaker for the NBA, suit designer, pastor, record label president, aircraft pilot/owner, and reality television actor with his own new show on Bravo TV-Thicker Than Water: The Tankards.
Pianist
LAO TIZER
For almost 25 years Lao has toured the globe, and released 9 studio albums. Since 2007, The Lao Tizer Band has featured an incredible array of talent and virtuosity. "A band that is filled with swinging funk, not dissimilar to vintage Tower of Power and AWB.” — Jazz Weekly
Vocalist
ELLIOT YAMIN
Reached overnight stardom on the 5th season of American Idol, making it to the final Top 3. His rendition of "Moody's Mood for Love" caught the jazz worlds instant attention. His debut release in 2007 is certified Gold, selling more than a half million copies.
Saxophonist
WARREN HILL
13 studio releases since 1991 selling over 1 million CDs. Opening act for Natalie Cole's 40 city Unforgettable Tour. Multiple #1 and Top 10 Smooth Jazz, AC, and Pop hits. Juno Nominee, Berklee Distinguished Alumnus, Canadian Smooth Jazz Award all time winner.
DJ
AL YOUR PAL
Al Your Pal has been a staple at the Cancun Jazz Fest for many years. He is a master at warming up the crowd for the pre-show and his pool parties and after parties are always off the chain!