Latin Jazz: The Perfect Combination/La Combinacion Perfecta

by Raul A. Fernandez, Robert Farris Thompson (Preface), Al McKibbon (Afterword)

Latin jazz-the perfect combination of Latin rhythms and hot jazz phrasing-energizes audiences like no other music.. As part of the Smithsonian Institutions series of major exhibitions on jazz music, Latin Jazz traces the musics roots and routes, from the Caribbean to New Orleans and the clubs of New York City to its booming international popularity today. More than 100 rare photos from the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s show musicians and audiences in full swing, along with dozens of album covers and posters from the heyday. Stories told by the greats who were there, such as Mario Bauz and Cal Tjader, convey all the zest for life that has made the music so exciting, and contributions by renowned musicians Andy Gonzlez and Al McKibbon attest to its legacy. With all text in both English and Spanish, Latin Jazz is a spectacular and fitting tribute to this exciting musical fusion.

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Bradshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

ritmo!

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

The congas, maracas, timbales, etc. It's the "bet you can't keep still" El Ritmo Latino. This book understands the power of latin rhythm. Fernandez also understands his audience - everything from the captions to the text is in both Spanish and English.

Reading this book is not necessary to enjoyment of the music, and it is no substitute for that. But, Fernandez has put together a triumph of text and many photos capturing the history and energy of this genre. He makes the case that latin jazz is one of the best assimilations of multiple cultures in the history of music.