Sasha Masakowki's vocal performances run the gamut from traditional Brazilian to far out modern jazz. She has been exploding on the local scene, but as of recently, she has been making an increasing number of national and international appearances.
A fresh blend of jazz, pop and a number of international influences, the Cliff Hines Quintet demonstrates a unique and exciting perspective on experimental, progressive jazz. Having graduated from NOCCA and UNO with a degree in Jazz Studies, bandleader Cliff Hines has proven himself to be a master student of jazz guitar and a valued member of the surging presence of impressive young talent in local jazz circles...Read More
The Cliff Hines Quintet is a jazz group hailing from New Orleans. Led by guitarist/composer Cliff Hines, the band started as a trio with bassist Martin Masakowski and drummer Paul Thibodeaux. The band quickly expanded to include EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument)/Saxophonist Khris Royal, and vocalist Sasha Masakowski (Martin’s sister, both of whom are offspring of former Blue Note guitarist Steve Masakowski). All of the members received music education at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) and most of the band attended the University of New Orleans (UNO) to further their jazz education.
After gigging around New Orleans and finding their own sound, they went into the studio to record their debut album “Like Mystics of Old”. While the album features layers upon layers of instruments, all of the instruments were played by members of the Quintet with Cliff and Khris picking up keyboard parts, and Martin playing bass clarinet and bass recorder.
Currently, his new Quintet features Jasen Weaver on bass and Andrew McGowan on keyboard (replacing Khris Royal). Recently their music video “What Choice do I Have?” was one of 11 finalists in a national music video competition sponsored by dosomething.org and Vh1’s Save the Music to raise awareness for music education. The new band is currently rehearsing songs for their follow-up album, tentatively titled “Traveler.”
