Album Notes

JoMaLa was created by Alaska Jazz Artists Laura Koenig, Mark Manners, and John Damberg as a vehicle to inspire new levels of artistry through improvisation, composition, and live performance. After years of honing their skills performing with internationally renowned artsts in a wide variety of genres, the trio is proud to release their debut CD Azure on Cravin' Records. Azure showcases fresh, new compositions in the jazz, Latin, and funk styles by Mark Manners and John Damberg, two of Alaska's noted jazz composers. JoMaLa grew out of the John Damberg Latin Jazz Ensemble, which was founded in 1995 and has been well received by audiences in concerts, clinics and workshops at music festivals, schools, and night clubs throughout Alaska. The name JoMaLa is the first two syllables in John, Mark and Laura's first names. We thought it sounded African, but it is actually the name of a town in Finland.

JoMa La Members:
John Damberg: marimba, vibes, steel drum, percussion, drum set
Mark Manners: electric and nylon string guitars
Laura Koenig: flute and alto flute
Bob Andrews & Dirk Westfall: electric bass
Cameron Cartland: Drum set

Studio and engineering:
Don Morrell-Toneworks Studio & Kurt Reimann-Surreal Studios
Assistant engineer:
Jim Kerr, additonal recording equipment: Lucy Peckham
Mastering: Don Morrell
Spirit catchers:
Greg Martin Photography & Apogee Studios
Graphic design: Denise Martin


Jo Ma La is available for concerts, clinics, and workshops