Latin Jazz

Chano Pozo (1915 - 1948)

The influence of Latin American music could be felt as early as the 1930s in pieces like Duke Ellington’s Caravan. Dizzy Gillespie brought Cuban percussionist Chano Pozo to his band in 1947, creating the genre of “Afro-Cuban.” Brazilian drummer Airto Moreira and pianist Chick Corea became popular in the 1970s. Some other popular Latin jazz musicians include trumpet player (and protégé of Dizzy Gillespie) Arturo Sandoval and percussionist Tito Puente.

In general, Latin Jazz incorporates the standard Big Band instrumentation, syncopation, improvisation, and jazz theory with Latin percussion instruments and a straight eighth-note feel.

Several different Latin percussion styles from different countries became popular. These musical styles, developed in Latin America from a combination of indigenous, African, European, and Islamic influences, now found their way into mainstream music.

Cuban Styles

Afro-Cuban 6/8 Style

2-3 Clave

3-2 "Reverse" Clave

Tumbao Bass Line

Brazilian Styles

Samba

Bossa Nova (bass line)

Bossa Nova (percussion)

Merengue (Dominican Republic)