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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
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!
newbee
4,781 posts
 
French fries, FWIW I find very little wrong with you stating your preferences in Latin jazz, any jazz, pop or classical! We all have them. I'm not entranced by long showy congo drums solo's either (but I've got some African drumming that just lights my fire). Nor am, I entranced by either Miles Davis, or for the most part trumpet as a principle jazz instrument. I prefex sax or piano, so what! Its only important to folks who think they have a conner on intelligence, information, or 'good' tastes. 'Latin Jazz' covers a lot of ground as a quick read of the term in Wikipedia will reveal to any curious enuf to pursue it.

Chazro, your very first post set the tone - now you have taken the second bite. You should (also) consider toning down the arrogance.

This forum should be a place to come and discuss music in a constructive way. Do you disagree? IMHO :-(

BTW, speaking of Latin jazz pianists, this one is Cuban, for someone up to some really laid back Mexican romantic music by a jazz group should hear Charlie Haden's Land of the Sun with Gonzalo Rubalcaba on Verve. Late nite stuff! If it wasn't so goood it would put you to sleep.

mpignone
16 posts
 
I swear I posted a response to this thread a few days ago but I don't see it now.

You should try Tito Puente's Night Beat, some old Chico O'Farrill, Bebo Valdess Big Band album El Manisero (wonderful!), and for better sound quality, The Latin Train by Arturo Sandoval.

Then, go to New York and catch Arturo O'Farrill's Latin Jazz Orchestra on a Sunday night at Birdland. Amazing! If you can see that band and not like Latin Jazz then I can't help you.
oregon
829 posts
 
French Frie
Just messing with you, man.
check out Tito Puente- El Rey!
audiomax
166 posts
 
Yes El Rey! I have that old fantastic LP. Got to go and spin it now...
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