Bios

Mango Upstart was the brainchild of Ryszard Kowalski, who wanted to create a band that would play the music of Cuba, Brazil and the Caribbean. Ryszard, Sheila, John and Susan were acquainted though the Jazzworks Summer Jazz Workshop Program, where they studied with such teachers as Ottawa’s premiere bassist John Geggie, Latin Percussionist Aldo Mazza of Montreal (David Amram, James Brown, Celine Dion), and Grammy nominated saxophonist Donny McCaslin of New York City. Meeting at a Jazzworks Jam, Ryszard knew he had found kindred spirits in Flavio and Carlo. Flavio’s training on bass, vocals and guitar, together with Carlo’s extensive experience in multiple jazz ensembles completed the hip Latin Jazz energy that the band has today.

Contact us at bookings@mangoupstart.com

John Graham - Alto and Tenor Saxophone

John Graham is a veteran from the Ottawa music scene, having performed with many ensembles in the Ottawa area. A very versatile musician, he plays jazz, latin, R&B and whatever else you put in front of him. A student of the famous Mike Tremblay, John played at the 2008 Ottawa jazz festival with his "A Tribute to Fats Waller" band.

Richard Kowalsky - Guitar

The founding member of Mango Upstart, Richard is a student of classical guitar and electric guitar. He has been attending the Jazzworks summer camp for the 6th year in a row.

Sheila Green- Flute and Voice

Sheila has been playing the flute and singing since high school. She has been attending Jazzworks summer camp for the last six years and has studied flute and jazz theory with Mike Tremblay. She has also taken singing lessons with local singer Anna Williams. She is one of the founding members of Mango Upstart and has also played in other local bands around Ottawa including Flutopia and Constant Comment.

Carlo Maragno - Drums

Carlo plays the drums for over 20 years now. He attended some summer camps at the Humber School of Music in Toronto. Carlo played with many different jazz ensembles in town, including the Rebecca Noel Jazz Trio

Susan Herbert - Percussion

Susan plays all types of percussion for many years, with her specialty being the congas. She adds the spice to the mango sound by adding percussion instruments from all over the world. Susan has attended the Jazzworks summer camp for many years now. Susan already performed with Samba Ottawa and also with award winning singer Jesse Cook.

Flavio Jorge - Double Bass

Originally from Brazil, Flavio has been playing the bass for 20 years now. The love for the bass runs in his family, as his grandfather was a bass player during the sixties and his wife was also a bass player. Flavio has performed with many groups in Ottawa, with styles ranging from jazz and R&B to Country Music.