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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
french_fries OP
819 posts
 
So, i would like to know more about the different forms of latin jazz, and i came across some terminology that i don't understand. perhaps someone here can explain and elaborate on these spanish descriptions:
1.danzon 2.guajira 3.descargas 4.salsa 5.mambo
I'm sure there are many other forms especially as it relates to different countries, i.e.columbia, puerto rico, etc.
i don't always know what exactly i'm listening to, but it gets really good, just like the stuff i'm more familiar with from n.orleans, st.louis, chicago, l.a., n.y. (oh, and texas of course...)
chaz801's avatar
chaz801
77 posts
 
If you like jammin latin jazz..Look at a well recorded compilation disc called Mo Horizons by some mo horizons.
This cd gets my feet tappin no doubt.
unsound
7,405 posts
 
I love it! I have to admit, I do get a turned off by the, for lack of a better description; call and response shouting chants of band members that can't really sing. Perhaps it's something beyond my cultural sensibilites?
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.
unsound
7,405 posts
 
A short while ago I saw the Arturo O'Farrill band, Wow, their daring, full bore, take no prisoners, risk taking performance was so refreshing in these days of the often typical homoginized, unimaginitive, rehashed, predictable crap. Even classic tunes were fresh and alive. While they were willing to take on challanges, they also avoided the unprepaired, unprofessional, practice doodling that sometimes takes place in some jazz venues. Bravo!
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