The album opens, rather appropriately with Machito’s ‘Congo Mulence’ and features Cannonball Adderley. Machito, a contemporary of Dizzy Gillespie, was a pioneer in the field and one of the early band leaders responsible for deepening the bond between Afro-Cuban music and American jazz. It’s a sound that first came to fame via the big bands of the 40s and 50s but has seen a resurgence of late.

All the essential elements of the genre are evident throughout but each shines most at different points. Eddie Palmeri demonstrates his magic touch on the piano with ‘Guuajira’, which was recorded with Brian Lynch, while Poncho Sanchez’s ‘El Sabroson’ showcases Latin percussion at its best.

Tito ‘King of the Timbales’ Puente’s contribution comes in the form of ‘Cha, Cha, Cha’ while Ray Barretto, himself no stranger to performing with Tito, appears with his cover of ‘Summertime’. Barretto’s ‘Summertime’ takes on a notably deeper feel than the rest of the album while the hand clapping Hilton Ruiz’s ‘Steppin’ with TP’ is the definitely the most energetic on the compilation.

The album focuses on the classic artists rather than trying to uncover hidden gems but fairs none the worse for doing so. With over 60 years of music to call upon Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz acts as a gentle introduction to the world of Latin jazz.

Tracklisting:
1.Congo Mulence — Machito/Cannonball Adderley
2.El Sabroson — Poncho Sanchez
3.Rumdrum — Tomas Puente
4.Cha Cha Cha — Tito Puente
5.La Clave, Maraca Y Guiro — Chico Alvarez
6.Summertime — Ray Barretto
7.Steppin’ With T.P. — Hilton Ruiz
8.Cuando Se Acabara — Manny Oquendo & Libre
9.Trompeta En Montuno — Chocolate Armenteros
10.Guajira Dubois — The Bryan Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project

Links: www.putumayo.com