FERNANDO KNOPF - radio vinilemania web-radio Latin - Jazz

FERNANDO KNOPF (BASSIST)

Fernando was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1977. His first’s connections with music began at his home in Buenos Aires, surrounded by Jazz, Classical and south-American music. He began studying Piano and Music Theory at age of 14, with private teachers. Two years later he started to study Electric Bass, focusing in Jazz, Fusion and Latin American rhythms. At 18, Knopf left Buenos Aires and moved to Israel. In the new country he received a full scholarship to attend the prestigious “Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music”, where he studied for four years in the Jazz Performing program, receiving a Jazz Major in 2000 and a Scholarship from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2000 Mr. Knopf began playing professionally in Jazz Ensembles, Salsa and Brazilian Groups, Big Bands, Orchestras, TV Shows and Theatre. In 2001 Fernando formed together with the Argentinean-American drummer Norbert Goldberg the Zig Zag Latin Jazz Quintet. This Group played Brazilian Jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms combining Jazz standards and original compositions. The Band performed extensively for 2 years, recorded the CD “Changes” and performed at the highly acclaimed Red Sea Jazz Festival (2002). From 2001 till 2006 Fernando played in a variety of Groups and projects as a Sideman including: Deborah Brown (USA), Nancy King (USA), Steve Cristoffersson(USA), Drummer Vince Cherico (New York), Italo Gonzales (Chile), Special production with saxophonist Eli Degibri (NYC) and the Holon Big Band at the Red Sea Jazz Festival 2003, Norbert Goldberg(NYC),Ilan Salem, Amikam Kimelman, Guri Agmon, The Holon Big Band, The Tel Aviv Big Band, The Israel Kibbutz Orchestra, The Israel Chamber Orchestra, The Jerusalem Salsa Band, Conjunto Tipico, Laila Malcos, Flamenco Guitarist Baldi Olier, Tango Bar Quintet (Israel Festival 2002),Bandonionist Eduardo Abramson, Oud Player and violinist Yair Dallal, The Musical Show “Sweet Charity”, Ensemble Latino-Americano, Kahol Irish Band, and more. In the beginning of 2004 Knopf formed his own Band of Latin Jazz combining Afro Cuban, Brazilian rhythms and Jazz Improvisation playing original compositions and arrangements. The same year Fernando took the most skilled Latin Jazz and Salsa Musicians in Israel to form a big Group, “The Fernando Knopf Latin Jazz Salsa Band”. In January 2005 Fernando began to produce his Debut CD, with his Band, Guests artists and Trombonist/Composer Avi Lebovich as Co-Producer and Musical Assistant. The CD, released on August 2005 and 2nd released in a new Edition on March 2006, consisting of Fernando’s own compositions and arrangements, Latin Jazz, Salsa and colorful harmonies, transmits the artist’s emotions, high energy, love and passion for Music! In addition, Mr. Knopf teaches at the Ramat Hasharon Conservatory of Music, Raanana Conservatorium of Music and conducts Ensembles and Workshops on Latin Jazz and Latin- American music for students from elementary to High School, as well as College level. In November 2005 Mr. Knopf was granted and distinguished in Buenos Aires with the 2005 Jewish Cultural Achievement Award, for his new CD and to spreading Latin American culture in the World. Currently The Fernando Knopf Latin Jazz Band is performing all over Israel and has performed with big success at the highly acclaimed Red Sea Jazz Festival – Eilat, August 2005

FERNANDO KNOPF - FERNANDO KNOPF LATIN JAZZ BAND - (2006)

A combination of Latin Jazz, Afro Cuban rhythms, Salsa & Brazilian Jazz

This is the first big Production of Latin Jazz by the Argentinean Bassist/Composer Fernando Knopf, recorded with more than 12 Musicians from all over the world. This new CD, consisting of Fernando’s own compositions and great arrangements, Latin Jazz, Salsa, Brazilian Rhythms and colorful harmonies, transmits the Artist’s emotions, high energy, love and passion for Music! Press - Reviews “Musician Fernando Knopf, who directs the Latin Jazz Salsa Band was distinguished in Buenos Aires with the "2005 Jewish Cultural Achievement Award", for his new CD and outstanding career spreading Latin American culture in the World”. Jewish Culture Fund for Latin America. “A unique profile…unmistakably special on the international music scene.” Bynd News/ Buenos Aires “This music grabs you from the first note with its exotic flavor and virtuoso execution.” Tel Aviv University Press “One of the best Latin Jazz and Salsa Bands in the world.” Late News “An amazing Band with a new sound and great Music of the highest quality” Iris Lavi Radio 2 Israel “The Fernando Knopf Latin Jazz band performance was acclaimed during the last Red Sea Jazz Fest 2005” Haaretz Newspaper