Prodigy Jesus Molina, the next generation of jazz
Charlotte Debut, Sunday, September 1
“An extraordinary and wonderful musician, he never ceases to amaze me every time I hear him play.” – Juan Luis Guerra
August, 2024 — Jesus Molina is considered a world-class jazz pianist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist at just 27 years old. His prodigy talent was enough to bring music business veteran Bobby Colomby (former Blood, Sweat & Tears founding member who has worked with the likes of The Jacksons and Jaco Pastorius) back into a managerial role.
Jesus was gifted a little electric piano by his grandmother at age four, and he proceeded to plunk out the notes to “Happy Birthday.” Growing up in a nonmusical family in Columbia, Jesus says his mother has always been supportive of his interest. He taught himself to play the saxophone at age 12, before taking up the piano again at 15.
In 2016, Molina received the prestigious Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation®️ awards which included a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. It was the first time he had stepped foot in America. “When they asked me about my dreams in music, all I could say was, ‘I Jesus Colombia… I love orange juice.’ But what I meant was, I want to be the next Chick Corea.”
Molina has already carved out an impressive career, sharing the stage with artists such as Jesus Adrian Romero, Arturo Sandoval, Rudy Perez, Gabriela Soto, Cory Henry, Randy Brecker, Carlitos del puerto, Randy Waldman, Zedd, Juan Luis Guerra, Alex Campos, John Patitucci, Branford Marsalis, Tom Brooks, Jordan Rudess, and many others.
His music is influenced by the jazz piano greats, but a full fusion of Middle Eastern music, American jazz, Indian, Colombian music, Latin music. He wants to bring a fresh sound to Jazz music for the young generation.
“I try to bring joy with music, because that’s how I’ve been taught from the very beginning by my mother. Whatever you do, bring joy to the people,” says Molina in his interview with Boston Public Radio. Molina’s brand-new May 2024 instrumental album release, Selah – a blessing meaning “praise” or “lift up” – perfectly captures his spiritual approach to music.
The world is about to discover Jesus Molina for themselves. “I am thrilled to introduce what I believe to be one of the next jazz piano greats to Charlotte.” says Larry Farber, President and Co-Founder.
Line up for this performance will include:
Jesus Molina – Piano / Keyboards / Vocals
Guy Bernfeld – Bass
Danilo Amuedo – Drums
Rock Choi – Guitar
Michael Tucker – Saxophone
“An instant classic. Jesus and his whole band takes you on a journey that reminded me of what I always loved about Chick Corea and Weather Report albums. SELAH is a soulfully elegant collection of beautifully produced songs. Jesus Molina is an artist who is truly gifted and is touched by magic.” – Robbie Nevil
Follow Jesus Molina
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Videos:
Giant Lee Donna Steps
Footprints
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