Caliente began through the shared passion by Alain Valodze and Mike Bevan for Latin American and most notably Brazilian guitar music, in 2000. The current ensemble has been together for over two years, and has been performing at a variety of venues consistently during that time, most notably "the Famous Spiegeltent".
The line up of Caliente is centered on the two guitars, which are very prominent in Brazilian music, and with woodwind, percussion and bass, it is possible to play many Brazilian musical styles, particularly "choro". With the addition of the wonderful voice of Charmain Jones, the group has a wide musical palette from which to draw.
The band continues to receive critical acclaim with each reviewed performance. The fingerstyle fretwork of guitarists Mike Bevan and Alain Velodze embodies jazz improvisation, classical techniques, complex rhythms and harmonic framework, extending the musical texture and form of the group.
Singer Charmaine Jones' vocal performances are a freefalling journey, soaring and weaving through an expansive range of emotions and language.
A ndy Bevan is resident in Japan and is well known on the Tokyo jazz scene. He is an improvisor par excellence. His flute and saxophone add a lyrical dimension to Caliente.
Percussionists Gilli Atkinson and Peter Overall have a world of rhythm in their collective performance. Instruments and beats from Brazil, Cuba, Spain, Africa and the Caribbean combine with a jazz dynamic to offer a rare glimpse into the world of Latin percussion.
Simon Boomer's strong but singing bass creates both a melodic and rhythmic support to the group's complexity weaving elements.
Caliente recently launched their new, highly acclaimed CD, Bebê. Recorded by Rob Transini at Industry Studios, Adelaide, Australia, and mixed and mastered by Andy Bevan at Ahatanada Studios, Tokyo, Japan, the CD features nine numbers from Caliente's Brazilian repertoire, plus originals by Alain Valodze and Mike Bevan.
