Category:
World / Jazz

Try if you like:
Pancho Sanchez, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente

Latin-tinged jazz is one of those genres that is hit or miss. When it is on, it is hot and funky, and adds another dimension to the possibilities of a band that can embrace it and cut loose. When it is not on, it is so laid-back and monotonous that if you close your eyes you could swear you are on the “sure, I’ll pay $12 for that beer, make it two!” deck of some soul-deadening cruise ship. Putumayo's Latin Jazz is the real deal, featuring as it does tunes from the masters as well as some more obscure but still hot hot hot tracks. It serves as a great introduction to Afro-Cuban rhythms, and works on its own as an ass-shaker.

 

The big names are those you might expect: Tito Puente, Machito (whose “Congo Mulence” features Cannonball Adderly), Poncho Sanchez, and the criminally under-noticed genius Ray Barretto, whose “Summertime” is a highlight.

 

Hilton Ruiz, Eddie Palmieri and Chocolate Arementeros also contribute solid tunes, featuring the pulsing percussion and killer horns that make Latin jazz’ bones when done right. Lots to dig here, and lots to be on the lookout for when you go searching for more by these artists.