The masterclasses

Born in London in 1994, Jacob Collier is a celebrated musician, composer, and vocalist renowned for his extraordinary talent. Initially trained in violin at the Royal Academy of Music, he gained recognition after his viral rendition of “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing”, which caught the attention of Quincy Jones. A six-time Grammy Award winner, Collier has collaborated with renowned artists such as John Legend, Chris Martin, and Yelle. His groundbreaking album series, Djesse, with Vol. 4 released in 2024, showcases his unparalleled creativity and musical innovation.

Chad Smith, drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988, contributed to the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He is also a member of Chickenfoot and Bombastic Meatbats. Recognized as one of rock’s top drummers, he has collaborated with artists like Johnny Cash, Glenn Hughes, and John Fogerty. Smith is actively involved in charity work for young musicians and advocates for music education in U.S. public schools.

Kurt Rosenwinkel is a leading American jazz guitarist and composer, celebrated for his innovative harmonic approach and influential style. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music, his acclaimed albums like The Next Step and Star of Jupiter have shaped modern jazz. Rosenwinkel has collaborated with artists such as Brad Mehldau and Brian Blade, and he continues to inspire musicians through his label, Heartcore Records, and global masterclasses.

Randy Brecker, legendary trumpeter and composer, has shaped jazz, R&B, and rock for over six decades. A 7-time Grammy winner, he’s worked with icons like Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, James Taylor, and Stevie Wonder, and co-founded the iconic Brecker Brothers Band. Known for his passion for Brazilian music and jazz fusion, his latest project, ‘The Hidden World of Piloo’ (2024), reflects his enduring creativity.

Sylvain Luc, born in 1965 in Bayonne, France, is a world-renowned guitarist, acclaimed for his versatility across jazz, classical, and world music. Known for his collaborations with legends like Dee Dee Bridgewater, Biréli Lagrène, and Richard Galliano, his albums, including “Duet” and “Jazz & Cinema”, showcase his masterful blend of technical precision and emotional depth. A sought-after performer, Sylvain remains a leading figure in contemporary jazz.

Logan Richardson, born in Kansas City, trained under jazz legends like Jay McShann and Max Roach before studying at Berklee and The New School. By 21, he was performing with masters such as Jason Moran and Billy Hart. Known for his innovative saxophone style, Logan’s albums include Cerebral Flow (2006), Ethos (2009), and SHIFT (featuring Pat Metheny and Jason Moran). Now based in Paris, he is celebrated worldwide for his unique sound and compositional depth.

Raul Midón is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and engineer who graduated from the University of Miami’s Studio Jazz Program. He has worked with legends like Herbie Hancock, Sting, and Dianne Reeves, earning two Grammy nominations in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category. His acclaimed guitar duets album, “Eclectic Adventurist” (2022), features collaborations with Mike Stern and Lionel Loueke. Raul continues to tour, record, and work on his upcoming novel, “Tembererana”.

Ari Hoenig is a renowned jazz drummer, composer, and educator, known for his melodic and rhythmic innovations. Born in Philadelphia, he studied at the University of North Texas and William Patterson College before moving to New York to collaborate with artists like Chris Potter and Kurt Rosenwinkel. With acclaimed albums like Inversations (2006) and Golden Treasures (2022), Ari continues to blend cinematic composition with groundbreaking rhythms. He also teaches at NYU and The New School.

Kaspar Jalily is an award-winning guitarist, born in France to an Iranian father and a Dutch mother. He won the Six String Theory 2018 competition by Lee Ritenour and performed with Cory Henry after winning the “Trade it All” competition. With two Grammy nominations (2022, 2023), Kaspar is also recognized for his signature Vola KJM guitar and collaborations with brands like Puma and Red Bull. Active in France, he works with artists like Soolking, Soprano, and Louane.