“Immerse in the soulful notes of jazz at Mochi Dolci on August 4, 2023, in our 222 Speakeasy lounge as a mesmerizing duet sets the stage ablaze. Join us for a captivating evening of musical brilliance and indulge in the delectable delights of Mochi Dolci. Don’t miss this harmonious fusion of taste and rhythm! 🎶🎷 #JazzDuet #LiveMusic #MochiDolci #August4th2023″
Gabriel was born and raised in San Francisco; now, he is based in NYC. In addition to GRAMMY-winning artists and other distinguished jazz musicians, Gabriel showcases his talent at renowned NYC jazz venues. As a leader, he showcases a catalogue of original music and jazz standards. He also pays tribute to works and arrangements by artists such as Chick Corea, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, Bill Evans, Cedar Walton, and Keith Jarrett. Gabriel honors the history of these master pianists with performances that are soulful and hard-hitting. With a profound grounding in Gospel, Hip Hop, Reggae, and Latin/Afro-Cuban traditions, Gabriel entrenches his musical constitution. Gabriel holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music where he received personal mentorship and coaching from some of the best pianists in the world, including Phil Markowitz, Marc Cary, Elio Villafranca, Ted Rosenthal, and Jeremy Manasia.
Curly redhead, NYC jazz vocalist and composer originally from Toledo, Ohio, April Varner is a name you won’t soon forget. April is described by Marylin Lester, (The New York City Jazz Record), as a “direct, authentic singer,” showcasing “vocal dynamism” and “authentic jazz phrasing” through electrifying performances. She possesses a “profound command of deep scat and vocalese.”
At the age of 26, April has already performed/studied with a multitude of renowned artists, including:
- Darmon Meader
- Sachal Vasandani
- Tierney Sutton
- Walter Smith III
- Dave Stryker
- John Raymond
- Kurt Elling
- Sunny Wilkinson
- Kate McGarry
- Sylvia McNair
- Michael Feinstein
- Benny Benack III
- Theo Bleckmann
- Ted Rosenthal
- Elio Villafranca
- Jean Baylor
- Rogerio Boccato
- Damien Sneed
April captivates audiences at many of the city’s top jazz spots, including Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, Birdland, Minton’s Playhouse and Mochi Dolci’s 222 Speakeasy. Most notable, April won the 2023 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. Furthermore, you can check out her own original music and arrangements on her debut EP, entitled “Hummingbird”. Scheduled for the spring of 2024, her debut album is set to be released.
