Ya’Gozo the Latin Jazz Band Pioneer in Jacksonville Ya’Gozo The Latin Jazz Band specializes in a rich flavor of rhythms and styles such as Funk, Latin, and Smooth jazz featuring recognized standard jazz tunes with a spicy Latin flavor. Among other rhythms the band features a mix of cultural styles such as Brazilian, and Afro Cuban Caribbean Jazz with a very percussive style catching the interest of a wide variety of audiences. Ya’Gozo is derived from the Spanish word "gozar" and the expression means to have already enjoyed or had a great time. Since 1996 ,Ya’Gozo has been a collective effort influenced by pioneers such as Tito Puente, Mongo Santa Maria, Dizzy Gillespie, Spyro Gyra, and George Benson among others. Ya’Gozo became a regular performer at recognizable Jazz clubs and Festivals in the South East region. Their professionalism and percussive creativity gave them the privilege to play with a seven time Grammy award winner pianist Eddie Palmieri, national recording Artist Nestor Torres, and Smooth jazz artist Ed Calle. They the are the first local group with Hispanic influence to play seven times in the Jacksonville Jazz Festival since 1996 de most recent one this years 2007 at the Ritz Theater leaving the mark for future presentations in years to come. They also the only Jazz Local group with Latin Jazz Rhythms to get play air at the Smooth Jazz Radio Station WSFJ 97.9FM as well as others. Their two latest recordings Summer times recorded in 1999 and Live at Adagio Jazz Club recorded in 2002 have been requested for radio stations nation wide and as far as Austria, Australia, Europe, as well as Smooth Jazz Radio Stations around the East Coast. Ya’gozo continues with their goals and success with new recording and productions for years to come and taking their music to broad Jazz audience around the world. Their members from top to center clock wise: Al Ortiz(Drums/Percussion), Scott Readamaker (Alto/Tenor/Flute),Julio Bello (Acoustic Piano),Felix Colon (Congas, Minor Percussion/Bata)and Rachael WilCox( Vocalist photo included in our my space website.) For more information about Their History,Bio, upcoming performing and contact information, visit their websites www.myspace.com/yagozomusic or www.soundclick.com/yagozothelatinjazzband