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Who likes LATIN JAZZ?

NOT ME, at least not for a long time now (other than JOBIM- i am referring more to cuban, afro-cuban, etc. material) but rather suddenly (within the last month or so) i started to enjoy the upbeat nature of alot of the tunes as well as the sophisticated rhythms and the exceptionally talented players. plus it so happens that a bass player named CACHAO just passed away (last week), and there were numerous musical tributes on the radio (miami). the more tracks they played, the more i appreciated the musicianship of this extremely talented player, allegedly the composer of 3000 songs. in addition, Cal Cjader, Tito Puente, Paquito D'Rivera, even Mongo Santamaria, and many others got my anglo foot tapping. i don't dance particularly well, and am not going to take mambo lessions; but the music is interesting enough even when seated. the only thing that sometimes turns me off is if the percussion, particularly too many bongos doing a "how fast and loud can you play" segment, dominates a particular song. but it doesn't happen all that often (thank goodness!), and i can go back to listening to alot of other instruments interpreting the music such as fiddles, marimbas, bari saxes, etc. SO, who shares my new-found interests in this medium, and does anybody here have any recommendations if i wanted to put together a collection of cd's representing "the best of the best"? for starters, i would have to say
CACHAO'S master sessions #1 and #2 would definitely be on my list, along with Cjader... can anyone name some cd titles for me? thanks!
french_fries

Showing 3 responses by chazro

chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
"...what turns me off is the percussion..."!!??

I can't decide whether you're for real or not but regardless, your post was most amusing. I'm reluctant to say this to anyone because I'm so very pro-Latin Jazz, but perhaps this genre isn't for you.

"...bongos doing a "how fast and loud can you play" segment, dominates a particular song. but it doesn't happen all that often (thank goodness!)..."

This statement pushes so many of my buttons that I think it's best if I just leave it alone. You're in Miami, I suggest you go to a concert or two, it might help you along your musical journey, good luck!
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
!!??.....Did somebody wake up on the wrong side of their cowbell this morning!?;)

Before questioning my reading abilities, since a number of posters agreed with what I wrote, you may want to check out your writing abilities. Not only does your 1st post imply that you simply don't get it, your 2nd post CONFIRMS it!!

"...it took me a long time to learn to appreciate ALL of the nuances and complexities that this musical genre possesses."

I'm not going to question how much time you've spent learning it ALL, just that you MAY want to spend a little more time brushing up on what you've learned.

I gave you a constructive suggestion before, Latin Jazz is a music best experienced live. Here's some more, you've been given a few good recommendations, you oughtta check them out. If you do a search here you'll find other threads and lastly, go to Latinjazzcorner.com, click on the best of 2007, a more stirling list of recs doesn't exist (although I warn you, there's definetely some bongo solos on these amazing records;)

Nip at me and I'll nip back, tone down the arrogance!
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
All the different types of music that are called Jazz have their counterparts in Latin Jazz. Small acoustic combos, Fusion, Big Band, Smooth, Avant-Garde, you name it and I can easily find a Latin Jazz artist that's playing it. The fact is Latin Jazz is going through one of it's most fruitful periods these last few years. A very large quantity of truly exceptional music has been released, it's a fantastic time to be a Latin Jazz fan, I say this having been one for over 40 years! In particular, I think an area that Latin Jazz has been out-working 'Standard' (for lack of a better word) Jazz is in Big Band recordings. Man, the last year or so have seen recording after recording released and many of them have been exceptional. I just rec'd 'Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra - Song For Chico' yesterday. What can I say, it's killa!!

Hey Mr. French Fries, I'd like to send you a compilation of some of the stuff I've been listening to recently. I wasn't sure if you were sincere at 1st but it seems that you are so I'm offering a small gift that I think you'll enjoy. PM me if you're interested.
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