Duende Libre is an award-winning jazz ensamble which combines jazz virtuosity with roots rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, and West Africa into a “strikingly authentic blend.” Each having apprenticed with direct descendants and master musicians of these traditions, they consider themselves disciples of their teachers. The result: A euphoric new jazz that honors its historical roots, pushing open the boundaries of genre to invoke a powerful sonic freedom.

Comprising core members Alex Chadsey (bandleader and keys), Jeff Busch (percussion), and Farko Dosumov (bass), Duende Libre is collectively influenced by direct connections with master musicians including Clinton Fearon, Dudley Nesbitt, Dave Hassel, Jesse Bannister, Chucho Valdés, Carlos Santana, Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal Flores, and Joe Santiago

“Each member’s experiences are vital as they filter West African traditional rhythms through their own hands, voices, minds, bodies, each song as much choreography as a composition,” PopMatters wrote. “Hopeful in sound as well as in ideological foundation, [the band creates music] full of heart and historical multitudes.”

Pop Matters calls it “globally-inspired jazz with dimension.” You will encounter sizzling rhythms and grooving basslines, experimental meters and irresistible melodic hooks, all aglow with the technical virtuosity earned by decades of devotion to their craft.

The band effectively—and uniquely—calls attention to the space between contemporary jazz traditions and broader musical influences from around the globe. Informed by a cumulative century of devoted study, they answer to this with emphatic (and euphoric) sonic interpretations that effectively enrich the collective language of jazz itself.

Orcas Center’s Summer Concert Series on the Village Green is FREE thanks to donations from local individuals and businesses including Country Corner, OrcaSong Farm, Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, Maria and Bill Burke, Darvill’s, Doe Bay Resort, Eastsound Airport Center, GiveOrcas and OICF, Island House Dental, Island Life, KaBloom Landscape Design, The Little Farm on Olga Road, A Massage by the Sea, New Leaf Café, Orcas Food Co-Op, Outlook Inn, Pawki’s for Pets, Ray’s Pharmacy, Salish Sea Medical, San Juan County LTAC, Savi Bank, Stoltz Kau Architects, Tony and Jenna Hair Studio, and West Sound Marina.