"Cyntje builds his compositions on rich, Western harmonies and the rhythms of the Caribbean" - NPR

Reginald Cyntje is a trombonist, educator, producer, and composer. The concept of his music ministry is to spread love, peace and social justice with each expression. Cyntje has “a deep-seated knowledge of Caribbean music and culture which has settled into his jazz trombone playing” (NPR Music). He has created and performed an eclectic range of music in his career.

Growing up in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), he was steeped in the rich cultural music known as Quelbe (the official music of the USVI). Quelbe was Cyntje’s introduction to improvised music. To date, Cyntje has recorded eight albums of original music as a leader. His latest release, Mosaic (2025), is about creating a mosaic out of life’s ups and downs.

Social justice is a common theme on Cyntje’s albums. His fourth album focuses on justice within. Spiritual Awakening (2015), featured on NPR’s Jazz Night in America, musically embodies humanity’s complex journey from introspection to a celebration of freedom. This album won Cyntje the title of Washington City Paper’s Composer of the Year. Atonement became a fan favorite and Rejoice was selected as one of the top 50 songs of the year by WAMU 88.5's Bandwith. The album made it to the #3 spot on the RMR Top 50 Jazz Chart.

Cyntje has appeared on many recordings from jazz to hip-hop. He’s performed with such luminaries as Amiri Baraka, Dr. Billy Taylor, Illinois Jacquet, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, D-Nice, Dion Parson and the 21st Century Band, Ron Blake, Marc Cary, Joe Chambers, Cyrus Chestnut, George Duke, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, Four Tops, Benny Golson, Wycliffe Gordon, Sean Jones, Jason Moran, Johnny O'Neal, Nicholas Payton, Revive Big Band/Orchestra, Vanessa Rubin, Terrell Stafford, The Temptations, Gary Thomas, Tim Warfield, Larry Willis, and many other extraordinary artists.

Mike Hawkins (bass) has performed with jazz legends saxophonists Jimmy Heath, Eric Alexander, Gary Bartz, Donald Harrison; pianists Bruce Barth, Eric Reed, Mulgrew Miller, Cyrus Chestnut, John Hicks; vocalists Vanessa Rubin, Leon Thomas, Carla Cook; vibraharpist Stefon Harris; guitarist Mark Whitfield, Mark Elf and Russell Malone; drummers Carl Allen, Ralph Peterson, Cindy Blackmon; and the trombone and seashells of Steve Turre. Also toured abroad in Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Italy, Canada and Scandinavia.

With only 100 seats, shows at Révéler are intimate and immersive. A romantic venue with exquisite sound and dreamy vibes, Révéler offers a unique selection of cocktails, wines, beers, bubbles, and non-alcoholic beverages. Our kitchen delivers small plates crafted with care.

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