Who is Group Karma?
Honing their musical chops in the New York jazz and world music scene, the band members have performed in multiple continents and come together as great friends and seasoned artists in their own right.
Keyboards
Sam Barrios
Sam and Karma’s collaboration goes way back, and is very special. At this point they can start and finish each other’s musical sentences. A talented keyboard player who started his career in the New York City latin music scene, Sam has played with such luminaries as Stanley Banks, Chembo Corniel, Joe Cuba, Tito Nieves, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Sanabria, Dave Valentin, and more.
Bass
Jose M. Rodriguez
Jose is an accomplished double bassist, music educator, arranger and producer. His lifelong passion for music started with the piano at a very young age. Jose’s musical career and performances run from classical music to contemporary jazz. Jose has played with orchestras, musical theater, and contributes his stellar musicianship to several jazz and latin bands in the NY Metro.
Percussion
Brian “Udu Boy” Melick
Brian and Karma met many years ago, when the now legendary Udu drum was introduced onto the jazz scene. Brian was one of the first percussionists to master the Udu drum and its many versions. It plays a special role in his and Group Karma’s repertoire.
Featured on dozens of artist’s recordings, Brian has played with everyone from Wycliff Jordan to Happy and Artie Traum, symphony orchestras and Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey. Brian is also a solo artist, hand drum instructor, author and educator.