In The Key Of Latin Jazz

WUCF’s June artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Zaccai Curtis. This illustrious pianist is coming off of a Grammy win for his record “Cubop Lives!” His collaborative work spans generations - playing with his brother Luques and his mentor, Eddie Palmieri and many others. We get into what its like working with his brother, why they started their own record label together, and what’s to come for Curtis’ latest project - “Sonoluminescence.” It’s easy to see why this artist is one of the most anticipated jazz artists of today.

WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Jose Elias – the co-founder of Cortadito, guitarist and tres player. The group focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music. Named the best Latin act by the Miami New Times in 2019 – they continue to blend the past and the present in new and exciting ways. You can hear their latest work in ‘The Guajiro Triangle’ on the Afro Roots recording label.

WUCF’s April artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Tomás Martín López. Percussionist from Brooklyn who has worked with Louie Ramirez, Ray de la Paz, Billy Cobham and Oscar Hernandez. They say ‘the best things come in threes’ and that is the case with “Right Here” - Lopez’s latest record. Whether he’s traveling globally to spread his love for the salsa scene or staying state side and collaborating with his brother – he is always attuned to the music.

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Renee Rosnes. Pianist and composer from Canada who has had an astonishing four decade career. With a resume that includes Wayne Shorter band, Ron Carter Foursight Quartet, Blue Note Records’ Out of the Blue and Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra...she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to hear every single note is what Bill Charlap calls ‘perfect hearing’. Her newest record “Crossing Paths” proves how extraordinary she can be not only as a composer but as an arranger.

WUCF’s February artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Joyce Moreno. Described by Jobim as “one of the best singers of all time” - this Brazilian singer songwriter and guitarist is a famous trailblazer. During a time of fear, control and possession – she proudly spoke her truth. Feminina catapulted her media exposure and is loved by so many. Outside of Brazil, her work has been recorded by the likes of Annie Lennox, The Black-Eyed Peas, Gerry Mulligan and more. With forty-six albums, four Latin Grammy nominations and over four hundred songs...Moreno is an unstoppable force.

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Dred Scott - a multi-instrumentalist who has cut his teeth on both coasts. Referred to as the ‘maestro of mayhem’, his restless and frenetic energy is intertwined with his passion. He’s collaborated with Liza Minnelli, composed for the film “Home” - featuring Woody Allen, Rosie Perez, Liam Neeson and more – recorded eleven albums as a leader and performed on over fifty others. His latest work is a testament to the enduring power of Latin jazz and an exploration of his love for the genre. It is vibrant, playful and rich – it is everything we needed!

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Miguel Zenón. He is a prolific saxophonist and composer who took home the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album this year and is a recipient of the Guggenheim and McArthur fellowships. Hailing from Puerto Rico, he now resides in New York City. He is a founding member of the San Francisco Jazz Collective and his latest record focuses on the magic of the Golden City.

WUCF’s November artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Kemuel Roig. Born in Cuba and now a resident of Miami - he has earned high praise as a first call pianist. He toured with Arturo Sandoval for eight years, Chucho Valdes calls him "Superman" and his debut record as a leader "Genesis" is a personal reflection of his relocation. It features Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, Ed Calle, Alain Perez, Julio Padron, Joel Hernandez, Milton Sesenton and Mercy Brass.

WUCF’s October artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Eliane Elias and Alex Diaz. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (through October 15) we’ve put together a special episode. With records like “The Three Americas”, “Bossa Nova Stories” and “Mirror Mirror” - Eliane has always celebrated not only the sounds of her country but others that make up Latin Jazz and the cultures behind it. Our Latin Jazz DJ – Alex Diaz – dives into the importance of representation on the air waves and what it means to be celebrating another year with us!

WUCF’s September artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Karrin Allyson. A child of the American Heartland, she’s lived in New York for the past three decades and considers herself a global citizen. In her newest record, she comes back to her love for Brazilian music and brings on the great Rosa Passos. What was meant to be a couple recordings turned into a full-blown project. Whether it’s classical, folk, jazz or rock – she appreciates good music and continues to enrapture us with her own.

WUCF’s August artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Oscar Hernández. As leader of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra the past 22 years – his contributions to Latin Jazz stretch far and wide. On top of this incredible feat, he is a four-time Grammy winner, worked with people like Celia Cruz, Willie Colón and Paul Simon and is responsible for the piano in the ‘Sex and the City’ theme song! His latest record “No Words Needed” is also what can be said about his career. Truly a living legend in our midst.

WUCF’s July artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Fernando Huergo. This Argentinian bassist has worked with everyone from Horacio Hernandez and David Liebman to Paquito D’Rivera and Richie Flores. His new album was inspired by a phrase he read in The New Yorker and captures the feeling he feels as he sees the news and all the absurd and grotesque things that continue to occur. We discuss his big band sound, the history of the chacarera and his thoughts on the future of Latin Jazz.

WUCF’s June artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Ruben Caban. Born in Puerto Rico but now in Florida, this trombonist has toured as a sidemen or soloist with a wide variety of artists...effortlessly moving within genres. His role as an educator spans multiple universities and colleges. His latest record “Kangana” enlists the help of notable players like Nestor Torres, Ed Calle and Tal Cohen.

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.