latin america

I’ve been on the jazz tip for a while and probably will continue to do so now that autumn is on the way. Today I’ve got 2 albums to mention, one is Brian Lynch’s joint effort with legendary pianist Eddie Palmieri called “Simpático” and the other one is the debut cd of 21 year old bassist and Esperanza Spalding on Ayva Music called “Junjo”.

Lisboa’s Tora Tora Big Band is one of the most colourful and groovy bands I’ve listened to this year. This 12 people neo big band has revived the fun of the big bands from the last century in their own words (it feels nice to say last century!)

BTFC seems to be made up of musicians hailing from Uruguay & Argentina. Gustavo Santaolalla (b.1952) is well known for his abilities in producing and compiling soundtrack albums for movies like 21 grams, Amores Perros and Brokeback Mountain which he won an Academy Award for his original score with.

Another diverse minimal musician is Mexico’s Fax. I don’t know why the Latin American’s do it better than the Europeans, but their music seems to be more fresh than their European counterparts’ for the last 2 years. His latest CD has been released on Static Discos last month and it’s a good mixture of jazzy chords, electronic funk and head bopping beats. I liked his previous stuff too but I think on this album he has really established himself as an artist.

Gotan Project’s new album Lunatico is upon us, and it’s a charming sophomore album after the marvellous 2001 debut “La Revancha del Tango“.