Venezuelan bassist and composer Gonzalo Teppa presents his acclaimed project,

the Gonzalo Teppa Quintet, performing original music that draws deeply from the

rich traditions of contemporary jazz and Latin American styles, including

Venezuelan, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban influences, infused with elements of

ballads, swing, and blues. Each composition is a heartfelt reflection inspired by

Teppa’s family, friends, and homeland, Venezuela. Teppa recently released his

seventh album, Teppa’s Dream (2025), a deeply personal work that celebrates his

musical roots and honors the people who have shaped his artistic journey. This

follows his previous album, Away From Home (2021), recorded thanks to the

support of the Pathways to Jazz Grant, which he received in 2018. That recording

featured a stellar lineup: Greg Harris on vibraphone, Alex Heffron on guitar,

Andrew Wheelock on drums, and Ike Spivak on saxophone.

Teppa holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Jazz Studies from the

University of Colorado Boulder. He has performed with an impressive roster of

artists including Wynton Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Matt Wilson, Ed Simon, Chris

Potter, Tom Harrell, Bobby Shew, Ron Miles, Art Lande, Slide Hampton, Don

Byron, Jeremy Pelt, and Ben Goldberg, among others. His accolades include the

Pathways to Jazz Grant (2018), three DownBeat Magazine Best Jazz Soloist

Awards (2004, 2005, 2006), and two Latin Grammy nominations. His discography

includes seven albums as a leader: Designios, Travesías, Serpentina,

CONtrabajos de Aldemaro, Sinergia, Away From Home, and his latest, Teppa’s

Dream.Gonzalo Teppa is currently on faculty at the University of Colorado Denver

and the University of Wyoming in Laramie.

Personnel:

-Gonzalo Teppa on double bass/composer

-Greg Harris on vibraphone

-Alex Heffron on guitar

-Andrew Wheelock on drums

-Ike Spivak on sax