Rongetz” (Stephane Ronget) is originally from France but is now living and working in New York City (USA).
After having starting playing music, over his mother’s records, Stephane obtained a “gold medal” degree in trumpet at the Jazz section of the National conservatory of LYON (FRA). It was coming with a degree in jazz history and composition. Didier Lockwood was president of the jury that year.
Then Stephane started different projects always involving crossover views in music writing. First success occurred with a band he created with friends, called Metropolitan Jazz Affair. Mixing the efficiency of electronic rhythms with the melodic and live discussions of the jazz area was a great achievement of that crew. The band released 2 albums and several 12 and 7 inches. Over 40 compilations are hosting a Metropolitan jazz affair tune.
Looking for some new musical perspectives, Rongetz started a project called The Rongetz Foundation. Recording live, original compositions, while mixing musicians from different horizons and generations, was the initial deal. With the help of Antoine Rajon and then the label Heavenly sweetness (Franck Descollonges & Vincent Quittard) The Rongetz Foundation released two albums and few LPs. That project led Stephane to record with members of bands like The jazz Messengers, Eddie Palmieri Orchestra, Charles Mingus Big band, The RH factor or Franck Zappa’s group.
The third album of The Rongetz Foundation, also recorded in New York, will be released end of 2012 and features musicians such as Gregory Porter, Ronnie Cuber, Renee Neufville or John Robinson. On that session, Rongetz goal was to dig more than ever into compositions that are bridging Jazz with Hip-Hop and Soul music. It resulted in eight original pieces and a cover of legend Reggae pioneer Count Ossie, which compose this brilliant The Brooklyn Butterfly Session album.
The project is already supported by tastemaker DJs like Gilles Peterson, Michael Ruetten and LeFto.
