YRVIS MÉNDEZ QUINTET

Gherardo Catanzaro – piano
Daniel Rouleau – sax
Christopher Barrios – drums
Carlos J. R. “El Oso” – Afro-Venezuelan percussion
Yrvis Méndez – vocals, bass guitar, double bass

It is a sonic evolution, a free expression of Afro-Venezuelan and Creole music, and a poetic approach in its lyrics in favor of the environment. We can say it is music with substance and social content, a musical essence that is recycled and recreated over distance, fused with rhythms and genres such as jazz, soul, and Afrobeat.

Yrvis was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He is a bassist, singer, composer, and producer who has moved through a wide range of musical genres across the American and European scenes. He has collaborated with internationally renowned artists and musicians such as Celia Cruz (Latin Grammy 2000, Grammy Awards 2004), Toni Zenet, Estrella Morente, Soledad Bravo, Rubem Dantas, Pastora Soler, David Palomar, Manuel Machado Sextet, Sole Giménez, Aquiles Báez, Miguel Siso, Chipi Chacón Quartet, Omar Acosta, Patricia Kraus, etc. His eclectic and successful career, built over more than 30 years of concerts, festivals, and recordings, has earned him respect and recognized awards.

Today he presents a new project, Yrvis Méndez Quintet, and his new production, Sabana Adentro “Where Everything Has Life.” Sabana Adentro is born from the need to create awareness and sensitize people, creating a bond through music so that we can come together in a shared emotion for the good of our blessed nature.