Celebrating Latin jazz greats during “National Jazz Appreciation Month”

Celebrating Latin jazz greats during “National Jazz Appreciation Month”
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Latin jazz has always been in my life. Whenever folks came together – Quinceañeras, wedding receptions, summer cookouts, Nochebuena, you name it – these gatherings meant blasting the music ‘till the wee hours. Once the needle hit the groove, it was time to move the furniture out of the way. The gorgeous sounds of claves, timbales, congas, bass guitar, piano, sax, clarinet, trombone, flute, güiro, clarinet and bongos filled the air with hypnotic rhythms. ¡Tremenda descarga! It was music to my ears in more ways than one.

Through the years, this enthusiast would revel in finding rare vinyl records and hitting up jazz joints to catch a late-night jam session. Listening to a Latin jazz band effortlessly create, flow, jostle, improvise and experiment fills my soul and spirit to this day. When the piano starts, then the sax comes in, a hot trumpet is next, followed by the chorus of instruments joining in … ah, that big sound gives me goosebumps!

And, witnessing the tremendous contributions that Latino musicians, composers, arrangers, singers and producers have had on jazz is something to be proud of. Lending their distinct styles, melodies, chords, complexities, tempos, harmonies and substance, countless Latinos have elevated the world of jazz forevermore.

Since April is “National Jazz Appreciation Month” (and being the Latin jazz aficionado that I am!), I had to share some of my all-time favorite cats and the essential albums for every jazz lover’s collection. Let’s go!

Much respect to one of the founders of the genre, Frank "Machito" Grillo, who skillfully blended jazz, big band and Afro-Cuban music. The baritone singer and percussionist’s band, Machito & The Afro-Cubans (once performing with Charlie Parker) was directed by his brother-in-law, Mario Bauzá who brought in Chano Pozo and Tito Puente. Their album, “Machito and His Afro Cubans 1941” includes the sensational "Sopa de Pichon."

Meanwhile, Mario Bauzá was a classically trained clarinetist, trumpeter and sax player who worked with Cab Calloway before directing Machito’s orchestra. The ensemble brought to life his album, “Tanga: The King Of Afro Cuban Jazz” with the self-titled song “Tanga” – considered one of the first true Latin jazz recordings.

Tito Puente. Photo courtesy of Tito Puente, Jr.

Musician and composer Chano Pozo is another pioneer of Latin jazz. The talented conguero was the first Latino percussionist in Dizzy Gillespie’s band, and he co-wrote and brought his percussion game to “Manteca” on the album, “Dizzy Gillespie Big Band in Concert.”

The “King of the Timbales” AKA Tito Puente remains one of the world’s top Latin musicians, composers, songwriters, bandleaders and record producers. Known for fusing jazz and mambo, one of his most notable songs is “Ran Kan Kan” on his “Dance Mania” album.

Mongo Santamaría, who played the violin before switching to percussion and congas, took Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man” to the next level with his conga playing. He wrote and recorded his first composition - the Latin jazz standard, “Afro-Blue” on his album, “Mongo.” (The iconic saxophonist, John Coltrane later made the song famous.)

Mambo giant Pérez Prado was a singer, composer, pianist, organist and orchestra bandleader well known for spectacular big band-style presentations. His contemporary, Beny Moré was a gifted singer, songwriter and bandleader recognized to this day for his melodic tenor voice. Together they recorded many albums, including “El Barbaro Del Ritmo” with the jumping “Anabacoa.”

Chucho Valdes. Photo by Rick Swig. Courtesy of International Music Network.

When musicians come together, it’s like magic! Tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, guitar-player and vocalist João Gilberto, and pianist Antônio Carlos Jobim (who also composed most of the album’s songs) recorded the best-selling jazz meets bossa nova album “Getz/Gilberto” with the big hit, “The Girl From Ipanema.”

The legendary Bebo Valdés was a bandleader, pianist, arranger and composer who played with Nat King Cole and created batanga, by the way. A beloved album he recorded with his son and protégé Chucho Valdés, “Juntos Para Siempre Bebo y Chucho” includes the lovely tune that they also co-wrote, “Descarga Valdés.”

Speaking of Chucho Valdés, the Latin jazz genius has enjoyed a career spanning five decades. He and his combo were the first Cuban jazz band to perform overseas, and his famous ensemble, Irakere (which included Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D’Rivera) recorded the innovative self-titled album, “Irakere” with a song that speaks to me, “Misa Negra.”

Arturo Sandoval. Photo by Manny Iriarte. Photo Courtesy of Arturo Sandoval.

After Irakere, the composer, trumpeter and pianist Arturo Sandoval formed his own band and later toured with his friend and mentor, Dizzy Gillespie. Having performed with Chico O’Farrill, Dave Grusin and other jazz greats, the musician’s award-winning album, “Danzón” features the superb "A Mis Abuelos."

Not enough can be said about the alto saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and bandleader Paquito D’Rivera who is also known for classical music. With numerous honors and awards under his belt, “Song to my Son” on the album “Portraits of Cuba” is as smooth as silk.

Paquito D’Rivera. Photo by Lane Pederson. Photo courtesy of Paquito D'Rivera.

Ray Barretto, who was influenced by Count Basie and Duke Ellington, played percussion, congas and drums. His resume is long: joining Charlie Parker and Tito Puente’s bands, playing the conga for the Bee Gees and Rolling Stones, directing music for Fania All Stars, and being inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame. I treasure his album with the illustrious Celia Cruz, “Ritmo en el Corazón” and the song “Para decirte adios.”

One of the biggest ambassadors of Latin jazz is most definitely Eddie Palmieri. The composer, bandleader and pianist was destined to become a musical giant from the start - performing at Carnegie Hall at the age of 11. Influenced by Thelonious Monk and inspired by his big brother (the renowned bandleader Charlie Palmieri), he played with Tito Rodriguez’s band before creating his own - Conjunto La Perfecta. On stage, the master works the piano, with a wide smile and cigar. I often play his album, “Azúcar Pa' Tí” with the well-known tune, “Azúcar.”

Eddie Palmieri. Photo by Erik Valind. Photo courtesy of Eddie Palmieri.

Then there is Chick Corea. The composer, pianist and keyboardist grew up with a musician father who played the trumpet for a Dixieland band. He played classical music, piano and drums - counting Lester Young, Horace Silver and Herb Pomeroy among his influences. The concert pianist, Salvatore Sullo taught Chick, who went on to play with Cab Calloway, Miles Davis, Blue Mitchell, Willie Bobo, Herbie Mann and Stan Getz. “Samba Yantra” on his album, “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs” will keep your fingers snapping.

On to Latin jazz star, Gato Barbieri who grew up listening to Charlie Parker. The musician, bandleader, tenor saxophonist, and clarinetist brought a South American vibe to soulful jazz, later composing the score for the steamy movie “Last Tango in Paris.” He’s played with Ornette Coleman, Santana, Don Cherry and Sammy Figueroa. Gato’s emotionally charged album, “Caliente!” includes the hip-shaking song, “Fiesta.”

Chick Corea. Photo by Dick Zimmerman (2014), DickZimmerman.com. Photo courtesy of Chick Corea Productions.

Sergio Mendes is the unique intersection where jazz, funk, pop and bossa nova meet. And his music will make you move! The bandleader, composer, arranger, songwriter and pianist learned classical piano at a young age, fell in love with jazz while hearing a Dave Brubeck track and played piano in jazz clubs as a teen. One of his luscious albums, “Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66” has Jorge Ben Jor’s famed song, “Mas Que Nada.”

Poncho Sanchez gets down! The composer, arranger, producer and musician plays percussion, timbales, conga, flute, guitar, drums – and he sings, too. He’s performed with his idol, Cal Tjader and recorded an album with Terence Blanchard in tribute to Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo. Poncho leads an eight-piece band on his brilliant album, “Latin Soul” (recorded live at two nightclubs) with Mongo Santamaria’s breathtaking “Bésame Mamá.

Poncho Sanchez. Photo courtesy of Poncho Sanchez.

“We play jazz with the Latin touch, that's all, you know.” – Tito Puente

Daisy Cabrera is passionate about all things Latino, and covers everything from arts & culture, fashion, food and travel to wellness, beauty, entertainment and more. She recently launched her blog, A Chica’s World, celebrating two cultures within one lifestyle. www.achicasworld.com

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