August 17 - Show #58

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label


Swamp people – Pucho and His Latin Soul Brothers – Compilation Can You Dig It? – Brown Sugar Records

Hit de bongo – Tito Puente – Compilation Can You Dig It? – Brown Sugar Records

Light and sweet – Willie Rosario – Compilation Latin Dance Party Vol. 2 1960's Boogaloo – Warner Jazz/Atlantic

One, two, three – Ramsey Lewis – Goin' Latin – Verve

Mexican hat dante – Clark Terry & Chico O'Farrill – Spanish Rice – Impulse!

Minor's holiday – Kenny Dorham – Afro-Cuban – Blue Note

Poinciana – McCoy Tyler – And The Latin Jazz Stars – Telarc Jazz

Ping pong – Conrad Herwig – The Latin Side of Wayne Shorter – Half Note

Watcha gonna do – Pete Escovedo – Mister E – Crossover

Iracuba – University of North Texas Latin Jazz Ensemble – En Clave – North Texas Jazz

Just now – Michel Camilo – Spirit of the Moment – Telarc Jazz

On the other hand – Michel Camilo – One More Once – Sony/Columbia

Watermelon man – Michel Camilo – Thru My Eyes – RMM Records

Samba triste – Eliane Elías – Compilation Calle 54 – Blue Note

Corcovado – Vince Guaraldi – The Latin Side of Vince Guaraldi – Fantasy Records

Você e eu – Herbie Mann – Do the Bossa Nova – Atlantic

Mas que nada – Oscar Peterson – Soul Espanol – Verve

Can't buy me love – Os Sambeatles – Os Sambeatles – Braz-Bossa-Roots

A hard day's night – Os Sambeatles – Os Sambeatles – Braz-Bossa-Roots



Highlights of the show:

Latin Soul aired today a complete three-theme set on the Dominican Republic pianist Michel Camilo. A composer and musician whose career spans three decades, and who has been years on top of the Latin jazz stardom, also a recognizable figure in straightahead jazz and classical piano. The clean, soberb, and outstanding piano sound of Mr. Camilo has long been appreciated in Latin Soul. By this set, the show wanted to go through different albums by him, covering different registers. Next, you may find the review of the albums from which themes has been selected to be aired in Latin Soul tonight. They are three different Latin jazz and jazz perspectives by a truly piano virtuous.





“Spirit of the Moment” was released by Telarc in 2007. It has the sound of a personal intimate album. Michel Camilo plays piano, Charles Flores plays bass, and Dafnis Prieto plays drums. A three-men lineup that approaches to straightahead jazz more than pure Latin jazz. You may find tunes reminding you of more Latin/funk sounds, as the opening track “Just now”, track 3 “Spirit of the moment”, or “Nardis”, which got a Flamenco jazzy tinge for its rythym at the piano performance. Finally, “Hurry up and wait” is another leaning on the Latin side. Overall, it´s a great sample of piano jazz with basic accompanying instrumentation, which appeals to all those who may enjoy melow piano tunes, with upbeat moments where piano and percussion explore a not very marked Latin connection as you may expect from other mainstream Latin jazz albums by Michel Camilo himself.





Michel Camilo´s “Thru my Eyes” is a 1997 album released by RMM Records, produced by Michel Camilo himself. It´s overall a wonderfull collection of takes on Latin jazz classic tunes, hence “Thru my eyes”. From “Poinciana”, “A night in Tunisia”, or “Oye cómo va”, to “Mambo Inn” and “Manteca”, among others, Mr. Camilo´s mastery at piano to be the main instrument, even at the lead of the percussion with his own piano strokes. Going from Latin “clave” sound to melodic piano tune just happens in a matter of seconds, showing the versatility of Mr. Camilo progressing from pure Latino to jazz and reverse. The accompanying band includes the ubiquitous Horacio “El negro” Fernández at drums, together with a bass support by the sidemen Anthony Jackson and John Patitucci, but no brass in this album. Mongo Santamaría´s classics “Watermelon man” and “Afro blue” are also among the reviews here done. A truly tour de force by Michel Camilo covering on many different tunes, but taking care of them offering something like a piano caress to Latin jazz marklands, and presumably keystones for his here shown exquisite talent.





“One More Once” is a 1994 album released by Columbia/Sony, where Michel Camilo composes all the songs. It counts with a truly big ensemble, among whom, we may find the saxophone of Paquito D'Rivera, and Giovanni Hidalgo at congas. The Latin jazz sound to this album is more obvious than in other samples by Mr. Camilo. There is a general festive flavor to all the tunes in the album, making any of them a good example of what it is contemporary Latin jazz with an aim for joy and catchy rhythms. The opening track “One more once” and following “Why not!” really set the tone for the album, suggesting that this is not the intimate piano jazz that we may find in other Michel Camilo´s works. Although, you still find room for Mr. Camilo piano solo on “The resolution”. Anyway, the album´s themes in general seek the syncopation to have the listener in the delightful territory of upbeat Latin jazz at its best.

August 10 - Show #57

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Moderna muchacha – Joe Loco – Ultra-Lounge Vol. 17: Bongo Land – Capitol

A night in Tunisia – Latin Jazz Sextet – Joe Loco – Ultra-Lounge Vol. 17: Bongo Land – Capitol

Club Caballeros – Laurindo Almeida – Joe Loco – Ultra-Lounge Vol. 17: Bongo Land – Capitol

Mambo Jambo – Xavier Cugat – The Original Latin Dance King – Sony

Tuxedo – John Reids – Morphine Mambo Jazz Club – Plastic Records

Sabre dance – Lalo Schifrin – Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Hip hug her – Chico O’Farrill – Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Mambo de las brujas – Francy Boland – Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Mambo de los dandis – Nicola Conte – Bossa per Due – Eighteenth Street Lounge Music

Seven steps to heaven – Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – The Magician – Savant Records

Caminos de Machu Picchu – Ray Mantilla Space Station – Synergy – Red Records

Leeway – Grafitti – Grafitti – Self-produced: Tom Graf and Ray Obiedo-www.tomgraf.com

Route 66 – Bebo Valdés with Israel López "Cachao", "Patato" Valdés, and Paquito D’Rivera – El Arte del Sabor – Blue Note

Dance with me – Emmet Wheatfall and Noah Peterson – When I Was Young – Self-produced album: Peterson Entertainment, LLC

A felicidade – Antonio Carlos Jobim & Vinícius de Moraes – Black Orpheus Soundtrack – Novabossa Red Hot – Verve

The girl from Ipanema – Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto & Antonio Carlos Jobim – Novabossa Red Hot – Verve

Brigas nunca mais – Jacob Melchior – It’s About Time – Self-produced album: www.jacobmelchior.com

Leaps & bounds – Axel’s axiom – Uncommon Sense – Armored Records

Mesie Julián – Josh Rouse – El Turista – Yep Roc Records

One note samba/Surfboard – Stereolab + Herbie Mann – Red Hot +Rio – Verve

The boy from Ipanema – Crystal Waters – Red Hot +Rio – Verve



Highlights of the show:

Latin Soul aired today an interesting first part on Latin club music reminiscent to decades before the 60's, as many tunes had that a feeling of old noir B&W movie when action could happen in smoke-full clubs where frentic mambos where played by handsome-kitsch numerous-lineup orchestras. The highlight of the show today is the compilation “Mambo Mania”, a surprising collection where there's room to more than mambo.




In the Talkin' Verve series, the compilation “Mambo Mania” released in 1998 offers a refreshing collection of songs by artists such as Chico O'Farrill, Cal Tjader or Miguelito Valdés, to others not so familiar with Latin sounds as jazz musicians Wes Montgomery, or Francy Boland. The overall result is a festive bunch of songs going joining mambo tunes with those of lounge organs and big orchestras, even including raw Cuban percussion by “Patato” Valdés doing a cover of the Brazilian classic “Mas que nada”. As this one, other tunes don´t relate much to mambo as the circus-like Lalo Schifrin cover of “Sabre dance”, or his jazz version of the Cuban classic “El manisero”, here entitled “The peanut vendor”. Cal Tjader´s tune “Curaçào” is also far from pure mambo. All in all, if not the mambo album you wanted, it truly puts together some mambo with a misterious organ tinge and other big orchestra curiosities that make the listening a trip along styles and approaches to mambo and Latin tunes in general, like Herbie Mann's tune “Cuban potato chip”, or Francy Boland´s pair of themes. Remarkable is the opening track“Hip hug her”, the Booker T Jones' song, version by Chico O'Farrill, who also closes the compilation with “Descarga número 1000” as example of a sophisticated mambo. As mentioned, a musical trip to explore on Latin tunes ranging from mambo-like tunes to orchestral arrangements tunes with a lounge tinge to it. Let´s just enjoy the enterteining variety of Latin music, and learn about curious versions of songs you didn´t think you could come across in a mambo album.

August 3 - Show #56

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Subway Joe – Joe Bataan & Los Fulanos – King of Latin Soul – Vampisoul

Do the boogaloo – Pete Rodríguez y su conjunto – Bogaloo The Rough Guide to Bogaloo –Rough Guides/World Music

Soul nitty gritty – Ralph Robles – Bogaloo The Rough Guide to Bogaloo – Rough Guides/World Music

Latin thing – Benítez – Playtime 17 Pure Latin Tracks Latin Soul Boogaloo – Hi & Fly Records

Every Monday – Manteca – Tremendo Boogaloo – Freestyle Records

Cachaíto in laboratory – Cachaíto López – Cachaíto – World Circuit/Nonesuch

Anaís – Cachaíto López – Cachaíto – World Circuit/Nonesuch

A gozar con mi combo – Cachao – Master Sessions Vol. 1 – Epic Records/Sony

We are our father’s sons – McCoy Tyner – McCoy Tyner and The Latin All-Stars – Telarc Jazz

Encuentro – Mark Weinstein – Timbasa – Jazzheads

El son te llama – Orchestra Baobab – Specialist in all styles – World Circuit/Nonesuch

Hommage à Tonton Ferrer – Orchestra Baobab – Specialist in all styles – World Circuit/Nonesuch

Jiin Ma Jiin Ma – Orchestra Baobab – Specialist in all styles – World Circuit/Nonesuch

Mani mani kuru – Ketama & Toumani Diabaté & Danny Thompson – Songhai – Hannibal Records

Comparito – Diego Amador – Piano Jondo – Milestone Records/Nuevos Medios

Nefertiti – Chano Domínguez – NFS New Flamenco Sound – Verve

Una noche sin ti – Yuri Juárez – Afroperuano – Saponegro Records


Highlights of the show:

A complete three-song set has been dedicated in today´s show to the Orchestra Baobab, the legendary Senegalese Afro-Latin band. Among many other tunes dedicated to the Cuban musical heritage, it was a worthwhile stop and see inside this album to check on a truly fusion of styles and traditions.



“Specialist in All Styles” is the 2002 album by Orchestra Baobab, released by Nonesuch Records. This a band originally from Senegal and their music can be classified (if you like to tag everything) as Afro-Latin. This is, Latin music made by African musicians, where you may guess, different kinds of styles and musical heritage are foreseeable going to a crucible that may not always bring a good result. Orchestra Baobab is a legendary band originated in Dakar, Senegal in the decade of the 1970´s, which from 1987 to 2001 was apparently out of businnes. It came back strong again with this album here reviewed and it´s still very healthy, internationally touring around. In late 60´s and 70´s, Latin music was well accepted in some West Africa countries like Senegal, Benin, or Gambia. Bands were formed which assumed this sound as their own and reinterprete it fusioned to their musical heritage. Orchestra Baobab was one of this band, and possibly the most popular. Many musicians from different cultural heritages out of Senegal form the band, singing usually along the Wolof and the Mandinga cultures and languages. Musically they lack the complex Latin percussion, but they adjust very well to the particular Cuban “son” style. In “Specialist in All Styles”, they do an outstanding version on the classic “El son te llama”, in Spanish. The lately popular Cuban musician Ibrahim Ferrer is the guest artist in “Hommage à Tonton Ferrer”, another remarkable tune in this album. The opening track “Bul ma miin” is a very catchy tune that sets a happy tone to the whole album. And so the music goes in a festive atmosphere, combining a mid-tempo beat and nice and clear guitar plucking, getting along with the Cuban rhythm of “son”. Brass comes at the right times. “Specialist in All Styles” was produced by the internationaly famous and acclaimed Yossou N´Dour, and that may explain the comeback of the band after being gone some twelve years. A recomendable album to explore the results of fusion and being admired for the long way run of the influence of Cuban music (which was influenced by African sounds in a first place).

Summer concerts in Spain

Latin Soul has been airing prerecorded shows during a few weeks in June and July. I hope you have kept listening with interest, maybe reviewing some themes heard in the past, which you enjoyed and wanted to have aired once again.


While being out of Commerce, home to KETR, in Spain, I have attended a couple of concerts that I definitively would like to share with you through this blog. These concerts were offered by artists aired in “Latin Soul”, and it was a great pleasure to have the chance to assist and watch them. I was lucky they were offered in a region of Spain where I tend to be vacationing every summer: San Pedro del Pinatar-Lo Pagán in the so called Mar Menor, in Murcia. The Mar Menor (minor sea) is a peculiar geological formation formed in the Mediterranean sea that encloses a piece of sea which has a narrow pass to the main Mediterranean sea and as a result turns out to be a sort of lake by the sea, with hardly no brave waves at all and a higher level of salinity which has been appreciated by family type of tourism and the elderly alike.


In this area, the touristic town of San Javier has organized the already 13th edition of the “Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Javier”. For this edition, they had artists such as Marcus Strickland Quartet, Dr. John, or George Benson in schedule. Not far from there, some 25 miles, the old city of Cartagena, Murcia has celebrated the 16th edition of their World music festival “La Mar de Músicas”. Some artists presented in this edition were Toumani Diabate, Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Os Mutantes, and Gotan Project among many others. Both festivals employ a hard working organization and resources to try to put together attractive line ups year by year, so that they have gotten to be up and running for so many years and obtaining so, a well earned prestige among the quite loaded agenda of music festivals going on in Spain in the summer time.

Next, I describe the concerts that I assisted in these two mentioned festivals.


July 8: Chucho Valdés & The Afrocuban Messengers, at the XIII Festival Internacional de Jazz de San Javier, Murcia, Spain.



The greatest piano player in Latin jazz today, Chucho Valdés, took the opportunity of presenting his new album “Chucho´s Steps” in his concert. Most of the songs performed would be belonging to his coming album, as he explained. Nonetheless, his repertoire is quite extense already and he went through it delighting connoisseurs and new comers to Latin jazz. As an example, he opened with an Irakere piece, “Misa Negra”, that very well could be the ilustration of what Afro Cuban jazz is. For the occasion (and the new album), he has gathered The Afrocuban Messengers, from whom is remarkable saxophone player Manuel Miyares gave a few brilliant solos. The main figure, nevertheless, was Chucho Valdés, of course, who would introduce to the audience and guide the whole music played; and who would extend his solos or accompany the main melody on his discretion. You could feel as the audience wanted Chucho´s solo moments above all other parts. As they were virtuous and soul healing. Percussion was also present, of course, and the blend of it with piano got high quality harmonious moments. At times, uncomprehensible jazz and Latin rhythms, alternating with more catchy standard Latin tunes, going back to pure African percussion; and start over. In the last part of the show, Chucho introduced his sister Mayra Caridad Valdés, and some vocals and dancing tunes came to concert, grasping the interest of the audience and taking their yearning for dancing real. It was the perfect ending for a show going from the cult to the popular having always the main beautiful sound of Chucho's diverse piano tunes as the main protagonist. In short, a two-hour experience of cool live Latin jazz according to one of their greatest interpreters.





July 9: Afro-Cubism (Cuba-Mali), at the 16th edition of La Mar de Músicas, Cartagena, Murcia, Spain.



“Afro-Cubism” is the Nick Gold´s (owner of label World Circuit) dreamed musical project become truth some 13 years later. In other words, Nick Gold was the executive mind behind Buena Vista Social Club, the music collaboration between Ry Cooder and the traditional long-life Cuban musicians back in 1997, which exploded and put the old Cuban music in the world map. Ever since, musical creativity from Cuba gained more respect than the one already earned (as Cuba is truly the birthplace to so many “Latin music” styles). The original idea included bringing Mali, Africa musicians to bring together sinergy from both musical schools. The Africans couldn´t make it to the appointment, due to visa and administrative reasons. This day of today in Cartagena, Spain, the only remaining member from Buena Vista, Elíades Ochoa (accompanied by his Cuarteto Patria), was the Cuban part of the project “Afro-Cubism”. On the Mali side of the show, these were the names: Toumani Diabaté, at the beautiful sound instrument kora; Bassekou Kouyate, at the n'goni, also a beautiful sound off a wooden guitar-like instrument; Lassana Diabaté, at the balafons, a sort of xilophone; Djelimady Tounkara, at the electric guitar; and Kassy Mady, vocals.

Tonight's concert at Cartagena, Spain was the presentation to the world. From here, the tour continued to Rotterdam, Netherlands, and it´s my understanding that the show is to visit the States in the fall. World Circuit is releasing the album in fall 2010. In this concert you could feel a little of what a first experience might be when you put many influences together. Having the musicians been after this show and project many months, one had the feeling that they were finding their way through the masses. Audience, on its part, was totally in for the proposal. We were expecting cool Cuban rhythms together with the kora and the n'goni. In that sense, the mix was wonderful. Remarkable when the Cuban brass section boosted it all up! The songs were being presented in a funny way by Mr. Ochoa, who was wearing his typical sombrero and black shirt. His attitude as front man and expertise at the guitar lead the show from beginning to end. Some songs were Cuban, others from Mali. In any case, long versions of all them were in use so in the evolution of the melodies, chances were given for instruments build up their dialogues. And so it happened. The wonderful cristaline plucking sound of the n'goni and the kora could go for hours and you will always feel is not enough of it. At one time, in what it seemed to be a spontaneous moment where Mr. Ochoa, Mr. Diabaté and his kora, and Mr. Kouyate and his n'goni were left alone in the stage, little by little they shaped up a wonderful version of “Guantanamera”, the Cuban classic, being so the highlight of the show. One after the other, songs came and stayed, no matter who sang if Elíades Ochoa or Kassy Mady, the instruments took over in what it seemed at times turns to show solo virtuosism. I missed, by the way, more solo moments for Mr. Diabaté and his kora, but maybe he was saving himself for his own concert the next week. All in all, a cool musical proposal full of legendary musicians, who played well on stage, worked out a show based on their expertise more than in the repertoire, making the audience enjoy from the beginning, and for some, getting the heat of the sinergy by the end, when most of the people was standing up song after song dancing whatever the music was dictating, and that´s what a good concert must be.




"Latin Soul" will be back soon in the air. Hope you are there every Tuesday at 9:00pm CST at 88.9 KETR or at ketr.org

May 25 - Show #55

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Welcome to the party – Har-You Percussion Group – Compilation The New Latinaires – Ubiquity Records

Afrodisia – Kenny Dorham – Afro-Cuban – Blue Note

Backlash – Freddie Hubbard – Compilation Latin Dance Party 1960’s Boogaloo – Atlantic Records/Warner Jazz

Hip hug-her – Mongo Santamaría – Compilation Latin Dance Party 1960’s Boogaloo – Atlantic Records/Warner Jazz

Latin soul – Ralfi Pagán – Compilation Latin Soul Descarga & Boogaloo – Manzana Producciones Discográficas

Five high – New Cool Collective – Soul Jazz Latin Flavours Nineties Vibe – Club 802/Challenge Records

A Ernesto – Mark Weinstein – Timbasa – Jazzheads Inc.

Milestones – VW Brothers – Muziek – Patois Records

Iracuba – University of North Texas Latin Jazz Ensemble – En Clave – North Texas Jazz

Concierto para metales – Irakere – Misa Negra – Messidor

Adeus, Maria Fulô – Os Mutantes – Os Mutantes – Polydor

A minha menina – Os Mutantes – Os Mutantes – Polydor

Samba do avião – Juan José Calatayud & Silvia – Nova Jazz – Orfeón Videovox

Brasilia – Vince Guaraldi – The Latin Side of Vince Guaraldi – Fantasy Records/Original Jazz Classics

Samba de Orpheus – Grant Green & Big John Patton – Organ Trio and Quartet – Groove Hut Records

Agua de beber – Pilar de la Hoz – Jazz con Sabor Peruano – Jaguar Music Records

Não deixa o samba morrer – Carmen Lamarque – Live in Lima – Self-produced album: www.carmenlamarque.com

Sai das trevas – Jazzamor – Compilation Sinners Lounge: The Latin Sessions Vol.1 – Comfort Sounds

Vibraçao – Pauline London – Compilation Sinners Lounge: The Latin Sessions Vol.1 – Comfort Sounds


Highlights of the show:

Among the great pieces aired tonight in Latin Soul, Juan José Calatayud and Silvia have brought a delightful interpretation of piano and solo voice bossa nova style. Next, you may find the review of their album "Nova Jazz" as it is found at Dusty Groove America CD and record website store.




A gorgeous little Latin piano jazz record from Juan Jose Calatayud from the end of the 60s – touching on bossa later on in the set with vocals by Silvia – a very nice set that emanates warmth and soul all the way through! The instrumentation is stripped down and wonderful, done so well and so wonderfully early on, that when Silvia's lovely voice comes in later on it's like an extra sweet surprise. Great stuff! Titles include "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy", "JJ Jazz", "Lety's Blues", "Comin' Through The Apple", "Dindi", "Samba Do Aviao", "The Look Of Love", "Inutil Paisagem" and "Ola". By Dusty Groove America, Inc.

May 18 - Show #54

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Summertime – Ray Barretto – Putumayo presents Latin Jazz – Putumayo Records

Steppin’ with T.P. – Hilton Ruiz – Putumayo presents Latin Jazz – Putumayo Records

Mira Flores – Eddie Palmieri – Listen Here! – Concord Picante

Mambo Inn – The George Shearing Quintet – Latin Jazz La Combinación Perfecta – Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

La playa – Dave Pike and his orchestra – Manhattan Latin – DECCA

Polly’s delight – Juan Amalbert’s Latin Jazz Quintet – Hot Sauce – Prestige

The opener – Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble – Just Like Magic – Latin Percussion Inc.

Cubanola – Mario Bauzá, Paquito D’Rivera & Jorge Dalto – Afro Cuban Jazz – Yemayá Records

Como dos extraños – Tango Bar – Compilation Jazz Latino A Collection of Latin Inspirations – Chesky Records

La cumparsita – Astor Piazzolla – La Historia del Tango

Libertango – Astor Piazzolla – Itinerary of a Genius – Milan Music/BMG

Fiesta – Gato Barbieri – Caliente! – A&M Records

María Domingas – Gato Barbieri – Under Fire – Arista Associated Labels/BMG Heritage/Bluebird

Caragua – Grafitti – Grafitti – Self-produced www.tomgraff.com/Borrowed Time Music

O samba e o tango – Caetano Veloso – Fina Estampa, ao vivo – Polygram Records

Samba para dos – Eddy Harris feat. Lalo Schifrin – The Bossa Nova Exciting Jazz Samba Rhythms Vol. 5 – Rare Groove Recordings

Gracia – Yuri Juárez – Afroperuano – Saponegro Records

Festejo – Richie Zellón – Landología Afro-Peruvian Jazz – Songosaurus Music

Summertime – Gabriel Alegría – Wayruro – Rhino Music Records


Highlights of the show:

'Latin Soul' has played a few songs from a great compilation which in the essence the reason of the existance of this radio show. Next, you may find a review on this album, “Putumayo presents Latin Jazz”, a great compilation from one of the labels that has offered more to World music in all its manifestations in the latest years. The following review is taken from the Editorial Review from Amazon.com.



A mixture of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz style come together on Latin Jazz, a lively collection of songs by masters of the genre.

The artists featured on Latin Jazz represent an honored cast of musicians ranging from early pioneers of the genre to those who have helped it remain a viable force for more than 60 years. Machito, a contemporary of Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington, was a pioneering bandleader who helped deepen the bond between Afro-Cuban music and American jazz. His classic track "Congo Mulence" opens the album and features fellow jazz legend Cannonball Adderley. Other legendary figures on the album include Tito Puente, whose mastery of the timbales combined with old-fashioned showmanship kept his music fresh and relevant over the years, and Eddie Palmieri, whose piano techniques put him in the same league as jazz legends Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner. He teams here with Brian Lynch on "Guajira Dubois," a game of musical tag between Palmieri's piano and Lynch's trumpet.

The driving rhythm behind most Latin jazz comes from its powerful percussion, and Latin Jazz showcases some of the finest in this field. Master conguero (congo player) Poncho Sanchez leads one of the most popular Latin jazz groups in the world. His seasoned ensemble contribute the cool energy of "El Sabroson", while Ray Barretto covers the classic "Summertime." Considered the "godfather of Latin jazz," Barretto was the first Latino to have a Latin hit on the American Billboard Charts.

Other luminaries on the album include Hilton Ruiz, a former child prodigy who appeared at Carnegie Hall at the age of 8, Chocolate Armenteros, the legendary Cuban trumpet player, and Manny Oquendo & Libre, who represent a multigenerational dynasty of Latin music. Icelandic double-bassist Tómas R. Einarsson, and New York icon Chico Alvarez round out the collection.

From Editorial Review of Amazon.com.

May 11 - Show #53

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Lee way – Grafitti – Grafitti – Self-produced www.tomgraff.com / Borrowed Time Music

El abogado – VW Brothers – Muziek – Patois Records

Going up! – Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet – ¡Bien Bien! – Patois Records

Laurel Z27 – Luis Marín y New Jazz Band – Puerto Rico Jazz Jam – AJ Records

Patio de luna – Antonio Restucci – Crisol – Petroglyph Records

Doña María – The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project – In The Middle – Cagoots Records

María Cervantes – Ray Mantilla – Good Vibrations – Savant Records

Rumdrum – Tómas Einarsson – Putumayo presents Latin Jazz – Putumayo Records

Ibérico Jazz – Quinteto Montelirio – Ibérico Jazz - Las producciones de Antoliano Toldos 1967/72 – Vampisoul

Trompeta loca – Conjunto Estif – Ibérico Jazz - Las producciones de Antoliano Toldos 1967/72 – Vampisoul

El día que me quieras – Michel Camilo & Tomatito – Spain Again – Decca

Lo que vendrá – Astor Piazzolla – Compilation Tango

Balada para un loco – Astor Piazzolla con Amelita Baltar – Compilation Itinerary of a Genius – INA/Milán Music /BMG

Bahia de todos os santos – Dendê & Hãhãhães – Bahia de Todos Os Santos – Mamadêlê Productions

Rio de Janeiro Blue – Miguel de León – Postcards from Rio – Self-produced album: migueldeleon.net

Onde ander meu amour – Orlandivo – Compilation Café do Brasil – Metro/Union Square Music

Xuertnom – Projecto 3 – Compilation Café do Brasil – Metro/Union Square Music

Sol tapado – Thievery Corporation – Sinners Lounge: The Latin Sessions – Comfort Sounds


Highlights of the show:

'Latin Soul' has aired tonight two tunes by Astor Piazzolla. A radio show could be filled with tunes by Astor Piazzolla, however these two themes are to have a tiny musical piece of this great Argentinian composer. To review one of his albums not trying to cover his vast legacy, it´s a hard task; nonetheless, here you may find a few comments on the album -“Itinerary of a Genius”- out of which a track was played, which is by the way the adaptation of a poem by Horacio Ferrer, beautifully taken to song by Mr. Piazzolla and Amelita Baltar at the vocals.



Astor Piazzolla´s “Itinerary of a Genius” is a 2002 released compilation by Milan Records, distributed by BMG. It´s the perfect album to get acquaintance with Mr. Piazzolla´s musical legacy. Here you may find the highlight themes from his career, as “Adiós Nonino” (to his late father), “Libertango”, “Buenos Aires hora cero”, “Tanguedia”, “Milonga del Ángel”, or “Tres minutos con la realidad”, among others, which will be enough to introduce you the mystic conception of music as Astor Piazzolla understood his reviewing of the Argentinian musical expression of tango. Born in Argentina in 1921, dead in 1992 after health complications, he has been one of the greatest composers of the XXth century, no doubt one of the most prolific and respected from Latin America. He also is one with a special sensibility towards the musical tradition of his country, Argentina, in the sense of understanding and reviewing the music that portraits it, this is, tango. The use of the instrument “bandoneón”, typical of tango, receives a new approach making the resulting compositions a magic moment. Talking about Astor Piazzolla´s music is talking about the sensations one feels when listening to it, at times moving to cinematographic landscapes, at times eeire like, always a dive into listening experiences. “Itinerary of a Genius” contains also three final tracks with Mr. Piazzolla answering in French to several interviews, as well as a very complete information inner booklet. Finally, a mention to the last musical track, “Balada para un loco”, one of the two vocals songs in the album, sang by Amelita Baltar, over the words by Horacio Ferrer, a poem and lyrics composer who long worked aside Astor Piazzolla. This sample here, “Balada para un loco”, if not the best description of attraction, seduction and love ever written, is very close to be it. Together with the music and the wonderfull interpretation of Amelita Baltar, it is the justification to listen to this album and appreciate the musical development, the musical itinerary, of such a great artist.

May 4 - Show #52

Theme: Chin chon chow – Louie Ramírez

Song-Artist-Album-Label

Tequila – The Champs – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

Taco Wagon – Dick Dale and His Del-Tones – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

La cucaracha – Mexicali Brass – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

The lonely bull – The Ventures – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

Cielito lindo – Dave Brubeck Quartet – Bravo! Brubeck! – Legacy/Sony

El cuchipe – Los Lobos – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

El clavo y la cruz – The Plugz – Repo Man Original Motion Picture Soundtrack – MCA

Adiós México – Texas Tornados – Texas Tornados – Reprise Records

La conquistadora – The Krayolas – La Conquistadora – Box Records

Nostalgia de México – Dave Brubeck Quartet – Bravo! Brubeck! – Legacy/Sony

Mexican hat dance – Clark Terry & Chico O’Farrill – Spanish Rice – Impulse!

Tequila – Bill McElhiney & His Orchestra – Compilation Latin Jazz – Verve

South of the border – Wes Montgomery – Compilation Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Mambo de las brujas – The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

A man and a woman – Chico O’Farrill – Compilation Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Mambocito mío – Illinois Jacket – Compilation ¡Viva Margarita! – Rock River-Universal Music

Curação – Cal Tjader – Compilation Mambo Mania Talkin’ Verve – Verve

Nefertiti – Nicola Conte – Other Directions – Blue Note

Kind of sunshine – Nicola Conte – Other Directions – Blue Note

Liberalia – Vincent Geminiani – Compilation The Mood Mosaic 7-“The new shapes of
sound” – Partners in Crime

Llegando a la capital – Jaime Delgado Aparicio – El Embajador y Yo Original Motion Soundtrack Picture – Vampisoul

Kamasutra – Manfred Hübler & Siegfried Schwab – Vampyros Lesbos Original Motion Soundtrack Picture – Crippled Dick Hot Wax Records

Soul Nuevo – Sexteto Electrónico Moderno – Sounds from the Elegant World-Groovy Night Club Music from Uruguay 1968-71 – Vampisoul


Highlights of the show:

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo! 'Latin Soul' couldn´t just let this important date pass by, and had more than half the show filled with Mexican spirit oriented music. Most of the songs came from a party album that you may find commented next.



¡Viva Margarita! Williams-Sonoma Drink Companion Series is a compilation that you may probably find in many used CD stores around the country, as well as accompanying a series of guides on drinks. The CD is produced by Williams-Sonora, and was distributed by Universal in 2004. Regarding music, it offers an unusual good collection of both Afro-Cuban and Mexicanish surf music. If you want a Latin musical party background, or give some musical context to your Cinco de Mayo, with no changing of CDs all the time, this may be your album. Renown artists such as Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Beny Moré, Chico O'Farrill can be found in Afro-Cuban lot, bringing tons of rhythms with their “descargas” and mambos. On the Mexicanish side, surf music by The Venturas, the famous tune “Tequila” by The Champs, Dick Dale and His Del-Tones; along with Mexicali Brass, ending the whole piece with “El cuchipe” by Los Lobos. Sumarizing, good music for good times of celebration.