Latin Jazz Bands

CD

Ken Burns Jazz: Duke Ellington (Columbia/Legacy CK 61444)

Artists:

Duke Ellington (piano), Rex Stewart (cornet), Arthur Whetsol (trumpet), Cootie Williams (trumpet), Lawrence Brown (trombone), Joe "Tricky Sam" Nanton (trombone), Juan Tizol (valve trombone), Barney Bigard (clarinet), Johnny Hodges (clarinet), Otto Hardwick (alto sax), Harry Carney (baritone sax), Fred man (guitar), Billy Taylor (bass), Sonny Greer (drums).

Composed by Duke Ellington & Juan Tizol

Recorded: New York, May 14, 1937

Rating: 97/100

Ellingtons early contribution into the Latin jazz canon is a collaboration with valve trombonist Juan Tizol. Caravan integrates the Afro-Cuban practice of elaboration over a repeating vamp area, therefore the US jazz tradition of passages with additional harmonic variety. In cases like this, at the center part Ellington references the oft-employed harmonic progression from George Gershwins i acquired Rhythm to contrast into very first motif, which will be driven by a more rhythmic experience. Tizol proceeded be effective as trombonist and collaborative composer in Ellingtons band for years to come, and also the enormously popular Caravan remained in Ellingtons arsenal for his entire career.

Group

Machito and his Orchestra

The Original Mambo Kings: An Introduction to Afro-Cubop (Verve 513876)

Charlie Parker (alto sax), Flip Phillips (tenor sax), Mario Bauza (trumpet),

Frank “Paquito” Davilla, Bob Woodlen (trumpet); Gene Johnson, Fred Skerritt (alto sax); Jose Madera (tenor sax) Leslie Johnakins (baritone sax); Rene Hernandez (piano); Roberto Rodriguez (bass); Luis Miranda (conga); Jose Mangual (bongo); Ubaldo Nieto (timbales)

Composed by Mario Bauza. Arranged and carried out by Machito

Taped: Ny, January 1949

Rating: 95/100

Written by Mario Bauza, the musician which introduced Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo together, Tanga is a forgotten classic, which predated and anticipated the relationship of Afro-Cuban music and jazz that happened in Gillespie and Kenton groups, amongst others. Joining the musical organization as a guest soloist may be the jazz tenor saxophonist Flip Phillips, just who improvises over a repeating design played by the other countries in the musical organization. This fashion of improvisation remains typical for Afro-Cuban songs, but during the time it might were very difficult for an American jazz musician. However, Phillips gives a convincing performance, suitable in easily aided by the Machito Orchestra.

Dizzy Gillespie Along With His Big Band In Concert Featuring Chano Pozo (GNP/Crescendo 23)

and a large band featuring James Moody (tenor sax) and Chano Pozo, (congas)

Composed by Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo

Taped: Recorded live-in 1948