International Groove Conspiracy

International Groove Conspiracy is made up of three musicians from three different parts of the world that have combined their cultures and love for music to form a very unique band. Founded in 2002, International Groove Conspiracy has been regarded as one of the most successful up and coming bands in Atlanta due to their mesmerizing sound, sophisticated rhythms and rare ability to effectively blend Latin jazz with blues, funk and world music.

The pianist, José García, is a native of Venezuela and one of the most sought after musicians in the Atlanta Latin and jazz scene. He is also an accomplished and formally trained classical and jazz pianist. José has written all of the original compositions and arrangements for International Groove Conspiracy's upcoming debut album, Beyond Horizon.
More about José García...

American-born bassist, Matt Stallard, began his musical career by playing drum set with his middle school orchestra in Wise, Virginia. After taking up bass and moving to Atlanta, his tastes evolved to include a wide variety of music ranging from jazz to reggae to salsa. Matt brings an element of solidity to every project through his seamless playing and is the musical foundation of International Groove Conspiracy.
More about Matt Stallard...

Emrah Kotan is a classically trained percussionist from Turkey who taught himself how to play drum set. Emrah began playing at jazz clubs in Ankara and Istanbul, but his musical capability truly developed while studying music in the United States. Emrah brings a sense of energy and enthusiasm to International Groove Conspiracy through his passionate performances and rhythmic flavor.
More about Emrah Kotan...

International Groove Conspiracy is a two-time winner the Future of Jazz Competition, a prestigious event that highlights international musical talent. In 2003, the trio was invited to play in an exclusive concert for the world-renowned Latin jazz pianist, Chucho Valdez. The summer of 2004 found the group broadening its following by playing at the Atlantis Music Conference and the 27th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival. The concert at the festival was well received by the thousands of jazz lovers that attended the event and also caught the attention of fellow performers Randy Weston, Regina Carter, Roy Hargrove and Ahmad Jamal. The IGC returned to the 28th Atlanta Jazz Festival in the summer of 2005 and also delivered an enthusiastic performance at the Montreaux Music Festival of Atlanta later that year. The group is currently scheduled to appear at the 29th Annual Jazz Festival, Memorial Day weekend 2006.

Aside from playing all over Atlanta, International Groove Conspiracy has released their first album, Beyond Horizon, featuring original compositions by José Manuel García and an arrangement of Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington’s “Caravan.”

Timbeao
Composed by José Manuel García

No a la Guerra
Composed by José Manuel García

Song for Irene
Composed by José Manuel García

Caravan
Composed by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol
Arranged by José Manuel García

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1st East Point Arts Festival
October 2005
East Point Tower
East Point, GA

4th Annual Montreux Atlanta Jazz Festival
September 2005
Woodruff Arts Center
Atlanta, GA

28th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 2005
Piedmont Park
Atlanta, GA

Future of Jazz Competition
May 2005
Churchill Grounds
Atlanta, GA

Opening Act for Jazz keyboardist/pianist, Lonnie Liston-Smith
December 2004
Rialto Center for the Performing Arts
Atlanta, GA

Atlantis Music Conference with International Groove Conspiracy
July 2004
Dailey’s
Atlanta, GA

27th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 2004
Piedmont Park
Atlanta, GA

1st Annual Future of Jazz Competition
May 2004
Churchill Grounds
Atlanta, GA

Reception for Latin jazz pianist Chucho Valdez
December 2003
Churchill Grounds
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview with Jamal Ahmed on "Soul of Jazz"
January 2006
WCLK 91.9FM
Atlanta, GA

Live Television performance on “Good Day Atlanta”
December 2005
Fox 5 Atlanta
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview with Masani on “Jazz Spot”
September 2005
GPB 90.1 FM
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview on “Jazz to Soothe Your Soul”
August 2005
WRFG 89.3 FM
Atlanta, GA

Television Interview with BET Jazz Channel in Atlanta Jazz festival
May 2005
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview with Ken Batie on “Hot Ice in the Afternoon”
April 2005
WCLK 91.9 FM
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview with Ken Batie on “Hot Ice in the Afternoon”
December 2004
WCLK 91.9 FM
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview on “Straight no Chaser”
November 2004
WRFG 89.3 FM
Atlanta, GA

Radio Interview with Ken Batie on “Hot Ice in the Afternoon”
May 2004
WCLK 91.9 FM
Atlanta, GA