About 1 — Rachel Z

TIMELINE BIO

Since 2000, she has been a Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies at The New School University in New York.

Since 2022 also a Professor of Jazz Studies and Electronic Music at Montclair State University and Cali School of the Arts.

*1988 co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning and certified Gold Record "Tokyo Blue" saxophonist Najee.

* From 1988–96 keyboards and piano with fusion band Steps Ahead with vibes player Mike Mainieri.

*1995 Wayne Shorter, on his album High Life, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

*1996 Columbia Records Trust the Universe, Rachel Z Band

*1997 "Room of One's Own – A Tribute to Women Artists" Rachel Z

*NPR Piano Jazz. READ MORE

*Rachel Z performs original pieces, including "Gently Sleeps the Pear Tree" and "Artemisia," and duets with host Marian McPartland in "Autumn Leaves."

*1999, Rachel Z was part of a jazz fusion project by Stanley Clarke and Lenny White "Vertú"

*2000 Peacebox as a vocalist

*1996-2015 Neapolitan Italian pop legend Pino Daniele

*2002-2006 Peter Gabriel Growing Up tours and Hits Live

*2006 "Dept. of Good and Evil"

*2010 with Omar Hakim, The Trio Of OZ

*2012-13 Recorded with Pino Daniele for La Grande Madre Tour in 2012 while also performing OZ tour dates

*2013–14, Rachel Z recorded with The Omar Hakim Experience

*2014 recorded and toured with Wayne Escofferey “Live at Firehouse 12”

*2014-16 Terri Lyne Carrington Mosaic 2 "Love and Soul" on Concords Records

*2015 Neal Schon Vortex/Journey

*Ozmosys” (Omar and Rachel Z) have released a 5 song EP Eyes To The Future, Vol. 1. The group recorded an EP at Power Station Berklee NYC for release in November 2019 with Kurt Rosenwinkel on guitar

*2020-2021 Rachel Z earned her Masters at Suny Purchase in Studio Composition and Electronic Music

*2022 recorded, produced, and recorded Luna Lagos an electronic dance artist who performs IDM recordings. These two CDs, A Way of the Word Angelica, also released in Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio

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RACHEL Z

Rachel Z is a spiritual human expressing her light through alternative electronic jazzrock music, composition and production.

Rachel Z is a keyboardist with a long history of award-winning performances in the worlds of jazz and rock. She co-wrote the Grammy-winning song ‘Tokyo Blue’ with saxophonist Najee. In addition to her 13 albums as bandleader and her work in internationally acclaimed bands such as Steps Ahead, Vertú, the Omar Hakim Experience, and OZmosys, she has played and toured with artists like Wayne Shorter (on the Grammy-winning album High Life), Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Al Di Meola, and Regina Carter. She also co-wrote the Grammy-winning song, 'Tokvo Blue' with saxophonist Najee Rachel came to worldwide prominence in the rock world in the Peter Gabriel concert films Growing Up Live and Still Growing Up Live.

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Rock your body and stimulate your mind…heal your soul.

"Sensual" is an album that pushes the boundaries of contemporary music, blending elements of jazz, rock, folk, and world music to create a truly unique and captivating sound. Rachel Z, a virtuoso pianist known for her expressive playing and innovative compositions, takes the lead in crafting the album's healing melodic mantras and harmonies.

Omar Hakim, a legendary drummer with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unparalleled rhythmic expertise to the project. His dynamic and versatile drumming style adds a layer of depth and intensity to each track, creating a captivating groove that will have you moving to the music.

Jonathan Toscano, a talented bassist known for his melodic and intricate bass lines, complements the ensemble with his impeccable sense of timing and musicality. His contributions add a rich and vibrant texture to the album, enhancing the overall sonic experience.

Together, Rachel Z, Omar Hakim, and Jonathan Toscano create a musical synergy that is reflective of the their 10 year friendship. Their collaborative efforts on "Sensual" result in a collection of songs that are sensual, evocative, and deeply moving. From intimate ballads to infectious grooves, each track takes you on a sonic journey that will awaken your senses.

Whether you're a fan of jazz, folk, rock, or R&B, or simply appreciate exceptional musicianship, the "Sensual" Tour promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Join us as we celebrate the release of this extraordinary album and immerse ourselves in the world of Rachel Z, Omar Hakim, and Jonathan Toscano. Get ready to be transported to a realm of musical bliss that will ignite your passion and ignite your soul.

Rachel Z - piano

Omar Hakim - drums

Jonathan Toscano - bass

Art by Miho Morita

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