Zurich Jam Session 8-24 | 24 November 2024
Ekute Le Trio feat. Rich Harpur (guitar), Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves (bass), Márcio de Sousa (drums)
A Night of Fusion and Creativity at the Eighth Zurich Jam Session
The eighth edition of the Zurich Jam Session delivered an electrifying performance that captivated both musicians and audience members alike. Ekute Le Trio, featuring guitarist Rich Harpur, bassist Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves, and drummer Marcio de Sousa, took the stage with their signature blend of jazz, funk, Afro-beat, and improvisation, setting the tone for a night of dynamic musical exploration.
The trio opened the evening with a carefully curated mix of original compositions and jazz standards, inviting fellow musicians to join in and adding an element of spontaneous collaboration that’s become a hallmark of the jam session series. The intimate setting fostered an atmosphere of creativity and camaraderie, with the energy in the room building as each musician added their own voice to the performance.
The session was a celebration of live music at its finest, showcasing the power of improvisation and the communal spirit of the Zurich music scene. As always, the event was a reminder of the vibrant, diverse talent that continues to thrive in the city.
The night ended with a feeling of collective satisfaction, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting the next session. With more performances on the horizon, the Zurich Jam Session promises to continue delivering memorable musical moments for both artists and audiences.
All photos on this page © Martina Knecht
Lineup:
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves
Bass
Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves is a Brazilian bassist, guitarist, and composer with deep Congolese and Angolan roots. His musical journey began early, playing gospel and African music as part of his parents’ family band, the Kuziem Singers. After completing his studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), he discovered a passion for South American and Caribbean music, establishing a second home near São Paulo, for five years. Since returning to Switzerland in 2019, he has been composing and performing in various ensembles, such as Nuna, the Kaan Peeters Quartett, and the José Pino Quartet, blending gospel, hip-hop, African, Caribbean, and South American music into his repertoire.
watch La casa de nadie Podcast with Benjamin Kissola Gonçalves | musicgoncalves.com
Rich Harpur
Guitar
Rich Harpur is a highly versatile guitarist whose talent spans jazz, pop, funk, country, and Brazilian music, making him a sought-after sideman across genres. With a strong foundation in composition and theory, he’s now focused on developing his own project, Findling, as both a composer and bandleader.
richharpur.ch
