The Statuary Presents: Melvis Santa & Jazz Orishas

Melvis Santa & Jazz Orishas explores both the Yoruba tradition and the African roots of Jazz through original composition from a contemporary perspective, establishing herself as a creative bandleader and a multi-disciplinary storyteller that makes a point in connecting her Cuban heritage with the sounds of Jazz.



She has toured and performed extensively with Kenny Garrett, Chucho Valdes and Irakere, Muñequitos de Matanzas, and Buenavista Social Club. Other special collaborations include Charles Tolliver, Andy Bey, Ravi Coltrane, Arturo O’Farrill and ALJA, David Virelles, Roman Diaz, Xiomara Laugart and others.


The Band:

Melvis Santa - piano, vocals and percussion

Rafael Monteagudo – drums

Liany Mateo - bass

Vinicius Gomes - guitar

Josh Evans - trumpet