latin jazz Concerts

Latin jazz is a genre that emerged in the United States in the late 1940s and early 1950s. It combines elements of jazz with Latin American music and influences. The initial Latin jazz track emerged in 1943 with "Tanga," a composition by Mario Bauza. Recorded by Machito and his Afro-Cubans in the same year, the piece marked a significant moment as the first jazz piece explicitly rooted in clave rhythm. Originally conceived as a Cuban jam session (descarga), "Tanga" featured improvised jazz solos skillfully woven into the music by Bauzá.

MUSICALITY

Latin jazz combines syncopated beats, polyrhythms, and rich harmonic textures. Percussion instruments such as congas, bongos, timbales, and clave play a central role in driving the rhythmic patterns.

Latin jazz often features brass instruments like trumpets and trombones, which add bold and melodic lines. Piano, guitar, and bass provide harmonic support and contribute to the overall groove. The genre also embraces elements of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and other Latin American musical traditions, incorporating genres such as salsa, bossa nova, and samba.

THEMES

Latin jazz can incorporate traditional jazz themes of self-expression, improvisation, and storytelling, drawing inspiration from Latin American culture and heritage. The music often celebrates the vibrancy and rhythm of Latin American music while offering a platform for individual expression and creativity.

FAMOUS ARTISTS

Latin jazz has been shaped by numerous influential artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Some notable Latin jazz artists include Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, Chucho Valdés, Eddie Palmieri, and Arturo Sandoval.

In 1946, Stan Kenton played a major role in developing the Latin jazz genre by collaborating with arranger Pete Rugolo. Some consider this recording to be the earliest instance of Latin jazz by American jazz musicians.

Other jazz artists like Kenny Dorham with "Minor's Holiday" and "Basheer's Dream," Hank Mobley with "Recado Bossa Nova," and Sabu Martinez contributed to the development of Afro-Cuban jazz, and eventually, Latin jazz, from the 1950s to the 1960s.