Summer Jazz On The Terrace with Jacques Schwarz-Bart

The Parrish Art Museum continues its Summer Jazz on the Terrace series with a live performance by Jacques Schwarz-Bart and his Afro-Caribbean Futuristic Jazz Quintet. Presented on Friday, July 15, at 6 p.m. as part of Hamptons Jazz Fest, the band will play lyrical jazz, and Gwoka and Voodoo jazz — two new styles created by Schwarz-Bart that reunite the genre with its Afro-Caribbean and spiritual origins. With impressionistic writing, powerful tone, and wide-ranging language — both lyrical and angular — these jazz styles have fueled a growing presence on the world stage. His band for July 15 includes Grammy-nominated vocalist Débo Ray; Domas Zeromskas, piano/keyboard; Ian Banno, bass; and Ivanna Cuesta, drums.

In 2012, Schwarz-Bart created a project that synergized modern jazz and ritual voodoo music from Haiti. The Jazz Racine Haiti project, recorded and released by Motema Music in 2014, features two Voodoo priests — vocalist Errol Josué and percussionist Gaston Bonga — alongside international jazz musicians. The music from Jazz Racine Haiti was the headliner on the opening day of the Banlieues Bleues Festival in Paris, inspiring widespread critical acclaim.

Born in Guadeloupe, Schwarz-Bart picked up the saxophone for the first time at age 24 and entered the Berklee School of music three years later. Prior to that, he pursued his interest in African mysticism through Gwoka Music at ceremonies called Lewoz that took place in sugar cane fields in the darkness of night. After performing with luminaries Roy Hargrove, Danilo Perez, Ari Hoenig, Meshell n’Degeocello, D’angelo, Chucho Valdes and others, Schwarz-Bart followed his vision as a band leader. With musicians including Sonny Troupé, Olivier Juste, and Milan Milanovic he finalized his Gwoka Jazz Project, recording two albums for Universal, “Soné Ka La” and “Abyss.” These established Schwarz-Bart as an internationally acclaimed jazz band leader. In 2010, he released “Rise Above,” reviving his longtime collaboration with singer (and spouse) Stephanie McKay with a blend of New York urban and Caribbean vibes.

Hamptons Jazz Fest, produced by The Jam Session Inc., is a series of performances that bring world-class musicians in the styles of jazz, Latin and world music to the East End. Performances are held in iconic venues throughout July, August and September. The Jam Session Inc. is a not-for-profit production and education arts organization that produces live jazz music, including Latin and World Music, through performances, recording, broadcast, and educational opportunities for the East End.

Tickets for Jacques Schwarz-Bart and his Afro-Caribbean Futuristic Jazz Quintet are $15 ($5 for members) at parrishart.org. This event takes place on the museum’s terrace, rain or shine. Bring your own chairs; no museum seating is available. The Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill.