One of the best things about jazz is its wide variety of instrumentals, unique characteristics, and a die-hard fan base, and the subgenre Latin jazz music is no different. In recent years, it has been gaining popularity and quickly becoming a beloved subgenre with a large, vibrant community.
Like most subgenres in jazz, Latin jazz has a deep history, rhythm, and influence. Many Latin jazz musicians could hold the mantle of iconic Latin jazz musicians, but today, we have selected three that stand above the rest. So, continue reading to learn more about this genre and its iconic musicians.
What Is Latin Jazz Music?
Latin jazz began in the early 20th century and was originally a combination of Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, and other Latin music harmonic structures and improvisation. Its key characteristics include complex percussion patterns, woodwind arrangements, syncopated rhythms, and a vibrant base. This blend creates an energetic, dynamic sound that feels harmonically rich and rhythmic.
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Are There Different Types of Latin Jazz Music?
Broadly speaking, there are three different types of Latin jazz music:
- Afro-Cuban jazz: This type of Latin jazz originates from Cuba and blends rhythms like mambo, cha-cha-cha, and rumba with jazz improvisation. It was popular in the 1940s and 1950s thanks to artists like Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie.
- Brazilian jazz (bossa nova): This type of Latin jazz originates from Brazil and blends jazz harmonies with samba. It was popularized thanks to João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim, who were the cornerstones of bossa nova music.
- Latin fusion: This type blends rock, hip-hop, or funk with Latin Jazz and is known to create an eclectic and contemporary sound. It was made immensely popular through artists like Eddie Palmieri and Santana.
Read more: What Is Contemporary Jazz?
The Top Three Latin Jazz Artists You Need to Know
- Machito
Known as a Cuban percussionist and singer on a legendary scale, Machito was born and raised in Havana before leaving for New York City. He is seen as a legendary Latin jazz artist because he ensured his band was considered the first example of Afro-Cuban jazz. He did this by fusing the Afro-Cuban clave with improvised jazz.
- Antônio Carlos Jobim
Laid-back samba rhythms on a classical guitar blended with the harmony found in jazz helped birth bossa nova, or Brazilian jazz, and no other composer excelled in this style as Antônio Carlos Jobim, better known as Tom Jobim.
He was a Rio de Janeiro native whose musical career was influenced by the likes of Heitor Villa-Lobos and Ary Barroso. His songs as a composer provided the foundation for jazz improvisers and have been interpreted by popular artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chick Corea, Frank Sinatra, and Oscar Peterson.
- Tito Puente
What is a list of the top three iconic Latin jazz artists without mentioning the King of Latin Jazz? Tito Puente was legendary as a composer, percussionist, and bandleader.
He played a huge role in making Latin jazz fusion popular. With his inspired blend of jazz improvisation and Afro-Cuban rhythms, he was able to introduce Latin jazz fusion to listeners worldwide. His rhythms were often described as infectious and continue to inspire musicians today.
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The Wrap-Up on Iconic Latin Jazz Artists You Need to Know
Jazz has become one of history’s most versatile and expansive music genres. Jazz would be nothing without its artists, and Latin jazz is no different. With artists like the ones mentioned in this article, it’s easy to see why Latin jazz will continue to be as iconic as any other jazz subgenre. If you want to listen to a modern take on Latin jazz, you should check out Sharon Marie Cline’s music.
