It's been quite a ride for Aphrodesia since their birth in 2003: a pilgrimage to the legendary Shrine nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria in 2006, a cross-country voter-registration tour in a vegetable oil-powered bus in 2004 and accolades everywhere from National Public Radio to USA Today. Through it all the San Francisco-based 11-piece ensemble has won audiences over with an eclectic, unique sound-a blend of rich, female lead vocals and slamming horn-laden polyrhythmic funk that Global Rhythm Magazine called “a Pan-African mash-up.”

While the members of Aphrodesia are admirers of West African styles like afrobeat and Highlife, the group's sound has always included touches of funk, dub, Zimbabwean trance, hip-hop and global pop.

Aprodesia Website Link

Teodross “Teo” Avery epitomizes live music—best experienced front row, and full throttle. His commanding stage presence reflects his musical ingenuity and skill. With an outstanding pedigree, both professionally and academically, Teo is a young saxophonist to watch, as evidenced by many of today’s biggest names in music relying on his wide musical reach. Perhaps most exciting, Teo makes jazz relevant in today’s shifting musical landscape without ever compromising the musical integrity. As Teo conveys, “After working with such an eclectic group of artists, I’ve learned that there is a huge gap between popular music and jazz. My goal is to Bridge the Gap and connect different generations in a way that keeps jazz hip, current and relevant to young people.”

Teo has amassed a stunning number of credits, which include the feature films Beauty Shop, Brown Sugar, Love Jones, and the documentary, The N Word (Tivo). In addition to co-writing “Brother” for Amy Winehouse’s debut album, “Frank” (Island Records), the multi-GRAMMY award winning singer also featured Teo’s sax playing on an interlude entitled, “Teo’s Licks.”

Teodross Avery Website Link

Background music by Teodross Avery