Jack Duncan
Percussion
Timba Cartel's music isn't just a performance; it's a sonic voyage to tropical realms fuelled by the invigorating beats of modern Salsa known as Timba. This vibrant evolution of Cuban dance music seamlessly weaves together the rhythmic threads of Mambo, Son, and Afro-Cuban folklore, infused with a lively blend of Funk and R&B. The result? A rhythmic fiesta that compels the audience to dance, sing, and most importantly, revel in the sheer joy of the experience. When the 9-piece powerhouse that is Timba Cartel takes the stage, it's more than a concert, it's a celebration. Picture a musical ensemble featuring lush, resonant vocals, vibrant brass, and a percussion section charged with enough turbo energy to set any venue ablaze. This multicultural musical dream team boasts members who have collectively left their mark on Grammy and Juno award-winning recordings, graced stages at renowned festivals worldwide, and are now poised to share their infectious sound with all audiences.
TIMBA CARTEL
TIMBA CARTEL
MEMBERS
JACK DUNCAN
CONGAS
Jack Duncan's musical journey is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse experiences and global influences. As the leader of Timba Cartel, he has graced stages around the world, sharing his passion for music in Africa, India, Europe, Latin America, The United States, and Canada. Before Timba Cartel, Jack led the Afro-Cuban Jazz band Shango Ashé, a group that released two acclaimed CDs and had the privilege of opening concerts for iconic acts like Cubanismo, Orlando “Maraca” Valle, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas among others. Jack's collaborative spirit extends across genres, having performed and recorded with a myriad of renowned musicians. From the iconic sounds of Chicago and the disco beats of Donna Summer to the infectious rhythms of Ricardo Lemvo & the Makina Loca, his musical palette knows no bounds. His journey also intersects with jazz legends Chucho Valdes and Arturo Sandoval, showcasing a seamless fusion of styles. In the studio, Jack has contributed to over 60 CDs and made his mark on the cinematic world with appearances on movie soundtracks. Notably, he played a role in the Grammy and Oscar Award-winning movie "Ratatouille" and contributed to the Juno Award-winning album "The Messenger" with Yaya “Alpha” Diallo. Jack Duncan's musical odyssey is a testament to the universal language of music, bridging cultures and transcending boundaries. His ability to navigate and excel in diverse musical landscapes has solidified his place as a true global artist.
NIHO TAKASE
PIANO
Niho was born in Japan where she was first introduced to classical piano at a young age and was taught by her aunt, who was an opera singer. With this tutoring she became very passionate about music. After moving to Canada she studied Piano and composition and completed a bachelor degree in music. In college she was introduced to Latin music and has studied in New York with the legendary Sonny Bravo former pianist of the Tito Puente Orchestra. After graduated from Vancouver Community College, Niho traveled to New York to study Latin Music with Sony Bravo who was the former pianist of Tito Puente Orchestra. Niho was awarded a Canada Council grant to study Cuban music and composition with the Grammy Award winning Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes.
CHRIS HAAS
DRUMS
SUSANA WILLIAMS
LEAD VOCALS
Chris Haas currently teaches music and photography at Moscrop Secondary School in Burnaby. From 1999-2020, he served as the director of bands and department head at Magee Secondary School in Vancouver. The award-winning music program at Magee involved over 400 students in numerous bands, choirs and a string orchestra. Past tours have included: Cuba, England, Scotland, USA, Russia, Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Thailand, Austria, Hungary, and of course, Canada. Chris has been performing professionally on drums and percussion instruments for over 35 years. As an active freelancer, he continues to perform all styles of music including Latin, rock, jazz, funk, vocal/choral, African, classical, big band, soul, country and blues.
Her musical career began in Caracas, Venezuela at the age of 13 when a professional band began rehearsing in her apartment building’s basement. The group of musicians let her sing one day for a laugh – only to hire her on the spot. From there she began singing everything from folk music to rock while writing her own music and learning to play drums, congas and guitar. By the time she was 15, Susana had won best singer at The Festival of New Music in Caracas, earned a scholarship at the Roland Learning Centre of Music and was playing four nights a week at local nightclubs. By 22 she was one of the hottest acts in the Caracas nightlife, where people lined up around the block to watch her perform her unique mix of Latin, Anglo pop and rock. In the meantime she did back up vocals for famous Latin singers like Venezuelan artists Frank Quintero and Kiara and collaborated with Pedro Castillo when she was Signed by Airo Music.
GEETA DAS
TRUMPET
BRIAN HARDING
TROMBONE
Brian is a long time veteran on the Vancouver music scene. While living and studying in New York he performed with The Temptations, Choco Orta, Joan Rivers and Luis Miguel. He has toured Canada, USA and Europe with a variety of groups and spent 6 years as the Music Manager for Princess Cruises traveling the world running the onboard music department and leading the Show band. Locally Brian has performed hundreds of concerts with a multitude of bands including; The HardRubber Orchestra, V.E.J.I., Dal Richards Orchestra, Roots Roundup, 54-40, and many more.
ADRIAN SMITH
TRUMPET
Adrian has been one of the go to Trumpet players on the Vancouver Latin and jazz scene for years. Adrian teaches and is also the leader of his own group "Adrian Smith Trio / Quartet" where he plays trumpet & flugelhorn. Adrian released a Jazz Album called "McSmooth" which features 11 of his own original Compositions.The list of artists he has performed with is long and include The Coasters, The Platters, Mary Wilson, Ed Thigpen, Michael Kaeshammer and many more...
Vancouver born Guyanese, Geeta Das, is a very diverse multi-instrumentalist. She has been studying, teaching, and performing locally and internationally for over 25 years and has had the humbling opportunity of working with countless local legends and world renowned artists alike. Geeta has had the honour of performing with: UK singer/songwriter Adele, rapper Kanye West, UK pop/rock sensation The Heavy, historic big band The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Iranian/Persian pop star Mazyar Fallahi, and many more.
MARK BEATY
BASS
DANIEL AVILAN
VOCALS
Mark Beaty currently serves as principal bass for the Vancouver Island Symphony and performs regularly with the VSO, Victoria Symphony and other ensembles around Metro Vancouver. Mark began studying cello at the age of six but switched to double bass in high school, an opportunity made possible by the VSB strings program. After completing his music degree at the University of Victoria, he moved to Havana, Cuba where he studied music and dance at the National Arts Institute. Returning to Canada, he formed the Cuban music ensemble La Candela, which formed a mainstay of the west coast salsa scene. Mark has been the longtime bassist for The Be Good Tanyas, recording the JUNO nominated “Hello Love” album, and touring internationally. He twice served as musical director for Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach (The Tempest, 2008, 2014) and for three years taught music and leadership at the United World College in Metchosin, B.C. He has performed across Europe and North America and has recorded for the BBC, Radio Netherlands, NPR and Stuart McLean’s The Vinyl Café on CBC radio. Mark holds degrees from UVic, UBC and SFU, and teaches at Douglas College, KPU, and Saint James Music Academy in Vancouver.
Daniel Avilan is a highly accomplished musician, singer, and guitar player known for his exceptional vocal abilities and versatile musical style. With a background rooted in Bel Canto training, Daniel has honed his skills across a diverse range of genres, including Jazz, Latin Jazz, and various Caribbean styles, delving deep into the Afro-Caribbean roots that underpin modern Latin music. As a true artist, Daniel continues to explore and push the boundaries of his musical abilities, constantly seeking new avenues for creative expression.