In The Key Of Latin Jazz

WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Claudia Villela. This Brasilian singer has a deep connection to her roots as well as nature. In her latest record “Letters to the Wind”, she returns back to the homeland to record with a dynamite group of musicians. Channeling memories, she improvises with mastery and produced a collection that speaks for itself. She lives in the Bay Area and continues to perform around the world.

Our April feature guest is Sonido Solar. With Eddie Palmieri in their corner, this nine-piece band has made headway with their originality while also paying homage to their predecessors. We sit down with two leaders – Louis Fouché and Luques Curtis – and find out their back stories, the process of their debut record and what Eddie is like when you peel back the curtain.

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Donald Vega. Classically trained in his native Nicaragua, Vega makes the journey to America and goes on to attend Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and University of Southern California. He’s studied with Billy Higgins, Al McKibbon, Kenny Barron and currently plays with Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio. His new album - ‘As I Travel’ - is a tribute to his own immigration story – and is about a voyage – both geographically and intangibly.

WUCF’s February artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Carlos Henriquez. This Bronx born bassist has graced over 25 albums of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra where he also serves as Artistic Director. As a leader he has garnered a Grammy nomination and his latest album - “A Nuyorican Tale” tells the tales of Puerto Rican and Nuyorican heritage both struggles and triumphs within New York’s vibrant tapestry.

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Both his father and grandfather are very important to the development of the Latin Jazz we know today. His career has had him alongside Ron Carter, Charlie Haden, Chick Corea and more. As a leader, he’s given us over 30 albums– continuously delivering and offering something new.

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Hilario Durán. This Cuban jazz pianist played with the Orquesta Cubana de Musicana Moderna, Arturo Sandoval, United Nations Orchestra, Jane Bunnett and more. His latest album brings back the big band sound! We discuss players like Chucho Valdez, Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie who have influenced him.

WUCF’s November artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Alfredo Rodriguez. Born in Cuba, he eventually left the familiar to take a chance on his career – with the aid of Quincy Jones – and look at him now! His latest album - ‘Coral Way’ - is a testament to his new life in which he celebrates the collaboration and connection between mainstream Latin music and Latin jazz.

WUCF’s October artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Sammy Figueroa. One of the world’s greatest congueros! His work with everyone from Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis to Whitney Houston and the Bee Gees will forever be highly regarded. It was in Florida where he established his solo career leading ‘His Latin Jazz Explosion’ band. His latest project pays homage to his late father – Charlie Figueroa – who was known for his romantic boleros.

WUCF’s September artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Edward Simon and Magos Herrera. Living on opposite sides of the country, they found a way to come together for a striking homage to female Latin American songwriters. “Femininas” is given a jazz treatment while still carrying the foundation of their respective beginnings.

WUCF’s August artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Ella and the Bossa Beat. An international father/daughter duo who brings a modern take on Brazilian, soulful Jazz and Pop music. Having spent a lot of time in Magrus’ home country of Brazil, they now reside in Florida where you can see them perform all over. Their latest record “In the Moment” has captured us all and we are wanting more!

WUCF’s July artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Bobby Sanabria. This eight time Grammy nominated multi talented artist has reached high acclaim repeatedly with his art and his fight. He fought to reinstate the Latin Jazz category at the Grammys after it was absent at the 2012 awards - and succeeded. He’s worked with Mario Bauza, Mongo Santamaria, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, and more in addition to leading bands of his own. His newest record “Vox Humana” is the big band’s most ambitious work to date.

WUCF’s June artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Lauren Henderson. Based in New York and Miami, she is a 36 year old vocalist with Caribbean and Panamanian roots who created her own record label at the start of her career. A station favorite, she gives us the inside scoop on life in New England, magic and mysticism. Recently she was recognized by the Recording Academy as one of the artists expanding the sounds of Latin America. Her newest record “Conjuring” is available now.

WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Rachel Therrien. She is a JUNO nominated trumpet and flugelhorn player. A fixture in both the NYC and Montreal scenes, she has continued to hold her own and delight with her personal signature. Her newest record - ‘Mi Hogar’ - features over twenty musicians that came together for her sixth record but first Latin Jazz project.

WUCF’s April artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz' is Justo Almario. Immersing himself in music at a young age - he dabbled in drums, piccolo and short clarinet before settling on sax and flute. After graduating from Berklee, Mongo Santamaria asked him to join his band. He has performed with Roy Ayers, Fela Kuti, The Commodores, Tito Puente, Linda Rondstadt and many more. Coming up on April 30 – he’ll be at the DTO Jazz Fest in Orlando to celebrate International Jazz Day. Don’t miss it!

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Elio Villafranca. Hailing from San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba – Elio was drawn to jazz and found a way to record every radio program he could. Coming from a country where it was illegal at the time, jazz opened up a whole new world for him. From leading his own bands, to working with Chick Corea- his contributions to modern jazz are impactful. Life has given him many crossroads, which he channels in his newest record featuring Cecile McLorin Salvant and more.

WUCF’s February artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Dafnis Prieto and Luciana Souza. Cuban American drummer and composer Dafnis had a vision for his next album and it involved going somewhere he hadn’t ventured before...lyrics. Enter Luciana – who grew up in a Bossa Nova family and is well versed in transcending boundaries of musical styles. Together they brought us “Cantar” - a record complete with three languages that brings cheerfulness, intimacy and imagination.

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’is Alex Acuña. Named the best Latin percussionist five years in a rowfrom Modern Drummer Readers Poll, Acuña has had quite theillustrious career. Born into a musical family, his drive to immersehimself into different cultures led him to become a versatile andgracious player. From Elvis and Ella Fitzgerald to more contemporaryartists like Christina Aguilera and U2–he has shown he’s here to stay.

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Arturo Sandoval. Born in Cuba, where he was forbidden to play or listen to jazz, Arturo relished any moment he could get to be around music. Forming the band Irakere, he then went on to become a ten-time Grammy winner, form a closebond with the late Dizzy Gillespie and play with the best as he polished his virtuoso abilities on trumpet, flugelhorn and the piano.

WUCF’s November artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Roberto Menescal and Daniela Soledade. Two of Brazil’s national treasures who are instrumental to the Bossa Nova movement. Two different generations come together to collaborate on Daniela’s new record “Pretty World.” We dive into what they admire most about each other and the evolution of Latin jazz – and beyond.

WUCF’s October artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Xiomara Torres. Hailing from the rhythmic lands of Colombia near the Pacific Coast – she drew inspiration at an early age from her surroundings. Not to mention her huge musical family and their folkoric style! Her most recent album pays homage to her mentor Digeo Obregón – best known as a marimba player and maker. We discuss the intentions behind the recording, some of the tracks’ meanings and more.