Ron Kadish, Publicist ron@dogranchmusicpr.com
Encuentro Music to Release Reginald Policard’s Global Jazz Album “Boarding Pass” in Label
Debut
Called “the most valued Haitian pianist in the jazz scene”, versatile pianist Reginald Policard has
evolved through decades of playing different styles of music such as konpa, jazz, latin jazz and fusion
to arrive at his personal style. Together with special guests from all over the world, Reginald brings
the musical traditions of Haiti, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and American jazz to Boarding
Pass, an exciting and fresh blend of musical cultures, to be released on May 31, 2024 as the debut
release on the new Encuentro Music label.
Miami-based Encuentro Music is a music label project inspired by the traditions and flavors of the
Caribbean. Encuentro aims to be a melting pot and a musical getaway for all The Caribbean, where
artists and creatives, rhythms and sounds, tastes and colors meet and leave a mark of impactful
culture.
Boarding Pass was inspired by the fundamental idea of what Encuentro Music is – a musical meeting
between artists from different countries who all love and are inspired by the music of Latin America,
the Caribbean, and Miami. With its diverse music encounters, Boarding Pass embodies a statement
of what we can expect from Encuentro Music in the future- a message of bringing people together
through music and encouraging them to share and enjoy inspired collaboration.
Born in Haiti, Reginald Policard was introduced to music at the early age of 10. Starting in 1969,
Reginald played in Sugar Jazz before co-founding and leading the famous Caribbean Sextet, which
dominated the music scene in Haiti for many decades.
Reginald’s discography includes sixteen solo recordings and his participation in numerous projects,
including films. His album Vinn Avem was selected to be in the pool of nominees for the Latin
Grammys in 1994. Reginald enjoys playing for his fans and his mastery in the piano comes alive every
time he performs. Reginald has performed and collaborated with well-known international musicians
such as Nicole Henry, Ed Calle, Jeff Carswell, Nicky Orta, Sammy Figueroa, Leo Quintero, Joel
Widmaïer, Richard Barbot, David Fernandez, Sal Cuevas, JeanCaze, Felipe Lamoglia, David Einhorn
and more.
Boarding Pass’s special guests include Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona, who has played and
recorded with a host of modern jazz luminaries from Joe Zawinul to Pat Metheny; legendary
singer Angélique Kidjo; Sammy Figueroa, long regarded as one of the world’s great percussionists,
who has played with everyone from Miles Davis to David Bowie; Haitian-American trumpeter Jean
Caze; renowned Latin percussionist Edwin Bonilla; longtime Erique Iglesias percussionist Gilmar
Gomes; and Miami Sound Machine trumpeter Teddy Mulet.
The May 31 release of Boarding Pass follows the highly successful releases of two singles. Intense in
emotion, Melancholia expertly weaves Caribbean, African and traditional Jazz influences to highlight
the warmth and texture of this distinctive collaboration. Policard’s compositional gifts shine through
in Encuentro Theme. His catchy melodies are steeped in a deep understanding of jazz’s historical and
cultural contexts, especially its Caribbean influences. Bona’s multifaceted musicianship adds layers of
complexity and emotional depth, creating a resonant backdrop that invites listeners into a world of
rhythmic euphoria.
Boarding Pass will be available everywhere on May 31, 2024. Pre-save it here.
Encuentro Music
Harold Staco – A&R management
Info@encuentromusic.com
