Putumayo Presents: Latin Jazz

Love this CD. Great background music. Nice variety. Fabulous Latin Beat! Don't hesitate - get it!

Latin jazz has a long&storied presence in American music. From Carlos Santana dabbling in jazz fusion despite Clive Davis' discouragement to the current popularity of Bebel Gilberto and the J.Lo/Marc Anthony biopic about salsa singer Hector Lavoe, Latin flavors have spiced up American jazz.

Putumayo's "Latin Jazz" is an excellent sampler of the genre,beginning with a 1957 song from Machito and Cannonball Adderley,and ending with a track from the Latin Jazz Grammy winning Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project. It's as sweet as Cuban rum,as spicy as mojo sauce-this compilation has mojo.

Poncho Sanchez's "El Sabroson" (the flavorful one) is a fitting song for this album;it's Sanchez at his spicy,percussive best. Tomas Einarsson,an Icelandic double bass player,gives a chill vibe to "Rumdrum." The late Tito Puente's "Cha Cha Cha" shows why he is considered a master of Latin jazz. Chico Alvarez's "La Clave,Maraca y Guiro" has a joyous interplay between the three staples of Cuban percussion. Ray Barretto's cover of "Summertime" is perfect for a sultry summer day. The late Hilton Ruiz,who tragically passed away on his way to a Hurricane Katrina benefit, contributes the steamy,sexy "Steppin' with TP",a tribute worthy of Tito Puente. Manny Oquendo&Libre have a jazzy song addressing injustice&inequality. Chocolate Armenteros lives up to his name with a smooth,flavorful track. The closing "Guajira Dubois" has delightful improvisation&interplay between pianist Eddie Palmieri and trumpeter Brian Lynch.

"Latin Jazz" is one of Putumayo's few great compilations of 2007;it's also a rarity in being primarily instrumental. It clocks in an hour,with songs ranging from three to ten minutes long. It's savory,and worth enjoying over a languid summer afternoon,complete with mojitos.

I find that this record meets my Latin Jazz Total. I Recommend to all of your Clients. BUY IT FOR YOURSELF AND BE SURPRISED! ALL OF THE ARTIST ARE VERY GOOD.

This music is a fun combination of latin rhythms and jazz. It almost begs you to dance!