The artists who are the main members of the new and promising musical association – pianist Evans Forts, drummer Jonas Minkus and bassist Mateo Rembe, have been playing together for more than 6 years and in their age group (high school / university), are recognized as the most outstanding improvisers and musicians in New Mexico. Last year, with the joining of saxophonist Paul Lavato, a quartet was formed, which made its debut in the New Mexico Jazz Young Talent Competition this year.
Paul Lavato, a blind saxophone virtuoso, has won the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Musical Excellence” award, as well as the Gold and Silver Medals of the Western US Bagpipe Band Association (https://wuspba.org/).
Pianist Evans Forts was one of 40 internationally selected students who took the opportunity to participate in summer master classes organized by the Berkeley Global Jazz Institute, developing his skills with such teachers as pianist Danilo Peress and saxophonist Tia Fuller. Evans has also performed on the main stage of the Newport Jazz Festival.