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Jstop Latin Soul started in 2018 when trombonist Joel Stopka and bassist/guitarist Brian Mesko united to pursue their passion for Afro-Cuban music and jazz. The duo assembled a collective of the area's finest seasoned musicians, all of whom have performed with a "who's who" of jazz, blues, Latin, and R&B legends and recording artists.
Vladimir Espinosa and David Sandoval, two dynamic Latin percussion technicians, lead the driving rhythm section alongside drummer DeWayne Peters and pianist 'Montuno Tom' Floyd. The late Ken Hitchcock, a renowned New York recording artist and saxophone virtuoso (1956–2022), contributed masterful tenor sax and flute performances, which are featured on the group’s first CD. Multi-instrumentalist Willis Greenstreet adds depth to the ensemble with his gritty guitar and sax solos. Recording artist and engineer, Bobby Read, from Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers fame, joined the band in 2022 and brought an exceptional new level of artistry to the group.
Jstop Latin Soul quickly found an enthusiastic audience eager to experience their Afro-Cuban jazz performances. The group's unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythmic traditions, such as son montuno, rumba, mambo and timba, with the progressive harmonies and improvisation of American jazz and soul, creates a captivating sound that appeals to all jazz enthusiasts. Above all, Jstop’s Latin jazz entices listeners to move, attracting a dedicated following of Salsa lovers. Performing at all the area's premier music venues.
Jstop Latin Soul continues to record original pieces. Upcoming events are featured on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/jstoplatinsoul