MUSICIANS
RUBEN RODRIGUEZ
(Singer, Author)
Born in Havana (Cuba), Ruben is studying music education at the Higher Pedagogical Institute in Havana (Enrique José Varona) at age 18. In 1998, diploma in hand, he began working as a professor of music education and as a dancer and singer in vocational training as RAICES CUBANA, SENSACION HABANERA and ASES DEL CARIBE. Arrived in France in 2000, Ruben actively involved in the development of Cuban culture as a dance teacher and also incorporating several band such as EL CAMINO, SONDELSON, CANDELA MI SON and nowadays MAS BAJO.
CRISTIAN ZARATE
Born in Vina del Mar (Chile) in 1975, he began playing guitar at the age of 14 and singing with Armay Kunuy (Indian music and Latin American). He studied and graduated as a music teacher and is studying flute, clarinet and percussion in Cuba. He arrived in France in 2004 to study classical clarinet in the interpretation and obtained a DEM of modern music amplified at the Conservatoire of Rennes. He joined Mas Bajo in 2008, vocals and flute, alongside his fellow Cuban, Raul "El Compadre" Henriquez GAEL VENTROUX
Born in Nantes in 1974, Gael began electric bass by himself at age 15 and gone in 1996 at CNMC (currently MIA) to Nancy after his graduation in Psychology. He discovered various styles including fusion (Sixun, Weather Report), African and Cuban music, played by Jaco Pastorius, Richard Bona and many others who play jazz and rich esoteric influences. Back in Nantes, he is a conscientious objector from 1997 to 1999 with disabilities and conducts workshops on musical awakening based percussion. He participates in various local band, not for a long time. Fortunately his buddies Mas Bajo are there and try to reinsert it since 2007. STEPHANE HUGLI
Born in Fontenay Le Conte in 1968, Stephane was graduated from the CNR of Nantes in 1985 and was interested in jazz and began his professional career in 1989, including accompanying drummer Bertrand Renaudin. Throughout his meetings, he met the Brazilian culture and learn himself the "cavaquinho" little guitar typical of Brazilian folklore and various hand samba percussion. He participated in various training always about Brazilian music (Yatrata, Amazania, Brasil Pass, Samba da Gente), reggae (N'gawa, Ossofo, Djama) and salsa (The Smala). Despite the advice of his doctor, he nevertheless accept to be part of Mas Bajo in 2009. EDISON BELMAR
Born in 1970 in Conception (Chile), he spent several years in Buenos Aires, he returned to Santiago, Chile where he was introduced to music on their own. After a teen pop rock, he became one of the most active guitarists from the music scene in Chile participating in numerous projects. In 1995 he began teaching guitar in the Escuela De Musica Moderna (Santiago) and in 2003 he was awarded the National Arts Altazor (equivalent of "Victoires de la Musique" in France), in the popular music category. In France since 2004, it continues to be involved in education by creating in 2008 a school of Guitar World Guitar association that coordinates and where he teaches. He joined MAS BAJO in 2008. MAXIME BELLANGER
Born in 1974 in La Rochelle, Maxime is formed initially to classical percussion, then he learns the drums by himself and is involved in many musical projects in Nantes. Then he follows the course of CIM and ARPEJ in Paris this deepening his knowledge harmonics. In 1999, he discovered and developed a passion for the Afro-Cuban music, he learned the drums and multiplies travel in the Caribbean, including Cuba, where he will train with musicians referents. Founding member of Mas Bajo, it also participates in the creation of the marching band Mambo Social Club. Miké DELEVALLEZ
Born in Angers in 1970, Miké began studying percussion at the age of 18 years, he's got a passion for Africa so he studied at first the drums of West Africa and Benin and Nigeria, and during a trip to Cuba, he discovers the Afro-Cuban rhythms so he chooses to make his main study, he came back to Cuba several consecutive years and worked with Alberto Villareal, artistic director of the folk ensemble from Havana. In France he participated in many projects around the Cuban and Afro Cuban music. JEAN MARIE GOUPIL
Born in Nantes in 1977, after studies at the Conservatory of Nantes, Jean Marie occurs in various jazz bands in the region (Big Bands: Mister Swing Basie Groove, Blue Lemon). He participated in the creation of Mas Bajo before continuing his studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague (Netherlands) from 2000 to 2005. He multiplies the experiences of the international scene: North Sea Jazz Festival, Bimhuis (Amsterdam), Bonn Musuem Coffee (Germany) alongside personalities such as Slide Hampton, Kenny Wheeler, Michael Brecker. Back in Nantes since 2006, he is involved in jazz projects and found his buddies of Mas Bajo with whom he founded the band Mambo Social Club. BENJAMIN LEBERT
Born in Nantes in 1981, Benjamin said the "little" (because he's the youngest), studied at the conservatory at a very young age. Fascinated by the instruments of the brass family, he took lessons tuba and trombone and sousaphone practice and also the boat. After a classical curriculum, it seeks to expand its share experience in the meetings he is cruising the beautiful roads of France that he likes very much. Mas Bajo's member since 2008, he was also the inescapable tuba player of Mambo Social Club.
(Vocal, Flute)
(Bass)
(Piano)
(Electric and acoustic guitar, Author, Composer)
(Drummeur, Timbalero, Composer)
(Congas)
(Trumpet)
(Trombone)