
Crafted by the legendary Haitian Grammy-Nominated jazz pianist, Reginald Policard, MELANCOLIA features Grammy-Award-Winning bassist, composer & multi-instrumentalist, Richard Bona, to create a unique blend of melodies and rhythms that completely captivates the listener. Intense in emotion, MELANCOLIA expertly weaves Caribbean, African and traditional Smooth Jazz influences to highlight the warmth and texture of this distinctive collaboration.
Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose, and the way he connects with his audience has turned him into a staple name in world, jazz and Afropop music.
Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along the diverse notable collaborations Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects.
He is highly involved in developing better music business practices and ethics. His Signature Series collaboration with Italian-based MARKBASS has positioned him as one of the most creative and best-selling bass amp and bass guitar tailor-made manufacturers in the world.
Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound, while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US and Latin America.
Born in Haiti Reginald Policard was introduced to music at the early age of 10. His first played instrument was the piano which since shaped his musical career.
Reginald first integrated a band in 1969 called Sugar Jazz, that opened the path for several collaboration with other ensembles, particularly the famous Caribbean Sextet, which dominated the music scene in Haiti for many decades and of which he was the band leader and co-founder.
Reginalds discography includes sixteen solo recordings and his participation in numerous projects, including films. His album Vinn Avem meaning Come with me was selected to be in the pool of nominees for the Latin Grammys in 1994. Reginald enjoys playing for his fans and his mastery in the piano comes alive every time he performs.
Among many memorable performances, the New Orleans Jazz Festival being a historical jazz music landmark was his most thrilling experience.
Reginald has collaborated with very well-known international musicians such as: Nicole Henry, Ed Calle, Jeff Carswell, Nicky Orta, Sammy Figueroa, Leo Quintero, Joel Widmaïer, Richard Barbot, David Fernandez, Sal Cuevas, JeanCaze, Felipe Lamoglia, David Einhorn and more.