Latin Jazz

Whether providing the basis for Santana ("Oye Como Va") or Lou Bega ("Mambo No. 5"), Latin jazz occupies a significant role in popular music. Who doesn't know "Spanish Flea," Herb Alpert's theme for The Dating Game? Or Quincy Jones' "Soul Bossa Nova," late of Austin Powers in Goldmember? ¡Que bueno!

In the case of Duke Ellington's "Caravan," a Latin-sounding theme has actually been introduced from mainstream America into the Latin jazz community, and much covered thereby. Such is the fluid motion between American jazz players' compositions and those from Cubans and Brazilians. Go ahead, cross musical borders. No passport required.

As you follow the swirling samba beat, you'll discover that many phenomenal musicians have consistently flown below the pop radar. Percussionist Pete Escovedo, (brother of alt-rocker Alejandro Escovedo and uncle of Prince protégé Sheila E), flautist Dave Valentin, and Brazilian 14-string guitarist Egberto Gismonti are all masters of their craft.

If "musica delenit bestiam feram" comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Latin jazz," you have the right idea (translation: music soothes the savage beast), but the wrong Latin. Broadly defined, Latin jazz encompasses a swath of musical styles running southward from the Caribbean to Argentina, with its practitioners both native and foreign. Always bubbling under the pop scene, Latin jazz surfaces with mainstream hits virtually every decade, albeit from many different sources.