Latin Jazz!

[Nausicaa]

Hello everyone. I've been on a latin jazz kick lately. Usually they hit me in the spring when the sun is shining and the weather begins to warm up in the summer, but I recently saw this great concert with Mehldau's trio and Pat Metheny where they play a smoking version of Veracruz. See below:

http://youtu.be/EETFKDVurZ4?t=1h44m55s

Anyway, I'm looking for recommendations of jazz albums with tracks similar to this, especially Brad's solo. Preferably live, because studio recordings bore me more and more these days. I already have some exposure to latin jazz, from Stan Getz's early bossa work to Bebo Valdes afro-cuban sounds, and Michel Camilo. I have no time period requirements or particular instruments, I just want some sizzling, live Latin jazz to listen to.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can assist me.

[chazro]

There's so many recordings of fantastic live Latin Jazz! As big a fan as I am of Metheny/Meldhau, they're not the 1st (or last, for that matter!) band that springs to my mind when I hear the words 'Live Latin Jazz'. Here's a new one that's been getting heavy play recently at my house:

90 Miles - Live At Cubadisco - featuring Stefon Harris, David Sanchez, & Christian Scott. Recorded live in Cuba, this is a killa record!

[Nausicaa]

Thanks for the recommendation. Bought and enjoyed. La Fiesta Va is my favorite track, just what I was looking for. The whole album kills though.

And LOL at the high number of shit smilies on this forum!



Anyway, keep them coming! I can't get enough right now.

[HutchFan]

Some of my Latin Jazz faves...

Small Group
- Gato Barbieri - all of his Flying Dutchman and ABC Impulse recordings (~1969 to 1975)
- Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion - ...And Sammy Walked In
- Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band - Crossroads
- Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band - Molinedo Cafe
- Ray Mantilla Space Station - Hands of Fire
- Ray Mantilla & the New Space Station - Man-Ti-Ya
- Hilton Ruiz - A Moment's Notice


Big Band
- Chico O'Farrill - Heart of a Legend
- Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro-Latin Orchestra - 40 Acres and a Burro
- Bobby Sanabria - Afro-Cuban Dream... Live & In Clave!!!

[tpt1]

Not to be missed...



Also, this film...

[HutchFan]

Originally Posted by tpt1

Also, this film...

Yeah!!!

[walkin]

I really dig Cal Tjader

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDIRDlEyCE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rSNqhEWH9M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDcf1NPyu3w

[chazro]

Fantastic recommendations one and all! If you're feeling adventurous and still in the mood for 'live' Latin Jazz here's one I'd recommend without reservation:

Orlando 'Maraca' Valle - Maraca & his Latin Jazz All-Stars - ''Reencuentros, Live At The Grand Theater Of Havana'. This is a spectacular record that's a personal favorite!

You mentioned that yr trying to keep it in the 'live' zone but I'd strongly suggest broadening yr expectations (actually, I'm not understanding why or how you decided on 'live' only, but hey, I'm sure you have your reasons!). Whenever I recommend music, not that I have anything against older music, I always try to shine a spotlight on new work. That said, the Grammys have actually gotten it right (don't get me started on NARAS and the Latin Jazz debacle of last year!) and nominated 2 current faves of mine:

Bobby Sanabria - Multiverse
Manuel Valera - New Cuban Express

Great Stuff - VAYA!!!

[The Monk]

[chazro]

I know this thread will fade fast, I'm going to try to keep it alive for just a while longer! Here's a video pertaining to a record I ordered last night:

Ritmo - The Clare Fischer Latin Jazz Big Band - I own a bunch of Clare Fischer LP's & CD's. I'm really looking forward to this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=eeKIB7fqV4A

[Nausicaa]

Why would this thread fade fast?? Latin jazz not popular?

Feel free to recommend studio albums too, when I started this thread I just really wanted something with the energy a live setting provides that I find is often missing from studio records.

Thanks all for the ideas. Cal Tjader is one of my favorites, happy to see the recommendation. Always loved Afro Blue and Night In Tunisia off Monterey.

Loving the Ray Barretto album so far.

Still getting through the rest of these, I appreciate all the advice!

[good rhythms]

http://www.brazucacds.com.br/artista.php?id=122

[oneistwo]

Just to keep this manageable, I'll limit myself to the ones I've seen live:
Tito Puente
Eddie Palmieri
Bonny Sanabria
Chucho Valdes
Paquito DeRivera
Arturo Sandoval
The last three are graduates of Irakere in Cuba, now playing separately. These all gave fabulous performances, Tito's (may he rest in clave*) probably the most perfect I've ever seen in my life. "Afro-Cuban" music, like our Swing Era, is actually dance music, and like Swing, eventually performers play for the ear as well as the feet. For something that leans more toward jazz as you might know it, check out Tito's Special Delivery. Arturo is a trumpeter's trumpeter, as shown on his I Remember Clifford. Lately he'll admit that the instrument he really wanted to play as a boy was the piano, and he's done a piano album. Valdes is a giant of a man, and that's the way he plays the piano, fearlessly swinging from Chopin to mambo and back again. With Palmieri you get the feeling it's about Monkish-Cecil Taylor chamber jazz. At least that's what you think when he starts out, then he flies into a montuno* on the piano and turns the band loose. Bobby Sanabria, a drummer, is on a mission to educate us about the music, so get to see him if you can.

If you have it handy Mark Levine's Jazz Piano Book offers some insights into the influence of Latin on players like Monk, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Bud Powell and others, and he has a list of recommended listening.

That's all for now. Enjoy

* Clave is the distinct Afro-Cuban rhythm, five beats over two bars. Montuno is the melodic rhythm, laid down by, usually, the piano. Sometimes it's a guitar, sometimes it's an organ, like in Santana's version of Tito's Oye Como Va.

[oneistwo]

Tito Puente's "Live at Birdland"
Bobby Sanabria "Live and in Clave"
Poncho Sanchez has at least on live album, can't remember which one it is
"Jam Miami" is an all-star live session.

[chazro]

""If you have it handy Mark Levine's Jazz Piano Book offers some insights into the influence of Latin on players like Monk, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Bud Powell and others, and he has a list of recommended listening."

....a few years ago Levine released a record with his band; The Latin Tinge, called 'Off & On, The Music Of Moacir Santos'. An Afro-Cuban take on the music of the great Brazilean composer. Very sweet & very highly recommended! Taking it to the next level would be to check out Moacir Santos outstanding record; 'Ouro Negro' (Black Gold). I'd say picking up both these records, Levine & Santos, would be a primo score!!