The Bay Area’s jazz and Latin music scene has had a truly remarkable year, with an abundance of talented musicians and unforgettable performances. From traditional jazz to modern fusion, the Bay Area has been a hub for diverse and dynamic music that has captivated audiences all year long. As we look back on the past year, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the recorded highlights that have made 2019 a rich and vibrant year for the Bay Area’s jazz and Latin scene.
One of the most highly anticipated releases of the year was the album “Antidote” by the Grammy-nominated Latin jazz group, Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Led by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn, this 19-piece ensemble delivered a powerful and energetic album that perfectly captures the essence of Latin jazz. With a mix of original compositions and classic covers, “Antidote” is a must-listen for any jazz or Latin music lover.
Another standout album from the Bay Area’s jazz scene is “The Movement Revisited” by pianist and composer Christian Sands. This album is a tribute to the civil rights movement and features a stellar lineup of musicians, including saxophonist Marcus Strickland and vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. Sands’ compositions are both thought-provoking and soulful, making this album a powerful and timely addition to any jazz collection.
In the world of traditional jazz, the Bay Area’s own Marcus Shelby has released a stunning album titled “Transitions.” This album is a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist and composer, Duke Ellington, and features Shelby’s arrangements of some of Ellington’s most iconic pieces. With a talented ensemble of musicians, including vocalist Tiffany Austin, “Transitions” is a beautiful and heartfelt homage to one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
The Bay Area’s Latin music scene has also seen some incredible releases this year, including “Cuban Rhapsody” by the Grammy-nominated group, Orquesta La Moderna Tradición. Led by pianist and composer Marco Diaz, this album is a celebration of Cuban music and features a mix of traditional and modern styles. With infectious rhythms and soulful melodies, “Cuban Rhapsody” is a must-have for any Latin music enthusiast.
Another notable release from the Bay Area’s Latin scene is “El Arte del Bolero” by the talented vocalist, Sandy Cressman. This album is a tribute to the romantic and passionate genre of bolero and features Cressman’s stunning vocals accompanied by a talented group of musicians. With a mix of classic and original compositions, “El Arte del Bolero” is a beautiful and heartfelt album that showcases Cressman’s incredible talent.
The Bay Area’s jazz and Latin scene has also seen some exciting collaborations this year, including the album “Duologue” by pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill and saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa. This album brings together two of the most innovative and dynamic musicians in the jazz world, resulting in a fusion of traditional and modern styles that is both captivating and exhilarating.
Last but certainly not least, we cannot talk about the Bay Area’s jazz and Latin scene without mentioning the legendary musician, John Santos. This year, Santos released “Art of the Descarga,” a live album that captures the energy and spontaneity of his performances. With a mix of traditional Cuban music and modern jazz, this album is a testament to Santos’ incredible talent and his dedication to preserving and promoting Latin music.
As we bid farewell to 2019, we can look back on a year filled with exceptional music from the Bay Area’s jazz and Latin scene. These recorded highlights are just a small sample of the incredible talent and diversity that can be found in this vibrant and thriving community. We can only imagine what the future holds for the Bay Area’s jazz and Latin music scene, but one thing is for sure – it will continue to be a rich and dynamic source of inspiration for years to come.
