Ever wondered what songs might get called when you step into that Latin Jazz gig? There’s a good chance that a good number of standards will arise - not traditional jazz standards, but Latin Jazz standards. These songs have made the rounds through the Latin Jazz world, through classic recordings and numerous live performances. Any Latin Jazz group will most likely “Latinize” some traditional jazz standards, but more likely, they will call upon the true workhorses of the Latin Jazz world.

If you are considering performing Latin Jazz, you should become intimately familiar with these songs. You need to memorize the whole song - the melody and all of the changes. Make sure that you understand the different rhythmic styles and clave directions. Dedicate extensive practice time to building your improvisatory voice in these songs - you want to be able to make strong statements that reflect your musical personality. Take some time and check out the recordings of these songs - there are things that other musicians have done that have become common performance practices. These songs come with the responsibility of serious practice!

The list below is just a start! There are many more standards, including both Afro-Cuban and Brazilian songs. We’ll get to those in time, but start with this list. In addition, listen to more recordings of these songs . . . there are many versions. You’ll learn something new from each variation. Good luck . . . and remember - songs generally become standards because they are simply great songs. So have some fun with them!

1. Manteca
Written by: Dizzy Gillespie/Chano Pozo
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: The Complete RCA/Victor Recordings, Dizzy Gillespie

Find The Music: Jamey Aebersold Volume 64 - “Salsa/Latin Jazz”

2. Sabor
Written by: João Donato
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: La Onda Va Bien, Cal Tjader

Find The Music: Jamey Aebersold Volume 64 - “Salsa/Latin Jazz”

3. Mambo Inn
Written by: Mario Bauzá
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: The Big 3: Live at the Blue Note, The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra
Find The Music: Jamey Aebersold Volume 64 - “Salsa/Latin Jazz”

4. A Night In Tunesia
Written by: Dizzy Gillespie
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: 944 Columbus, Mario Bauza

5. Morning
Written by: Clare Fisher
Rhythm: Cha Cha Cha, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: Black Orchid, Cal Tjader

6. Philadelphia Mambo
Written by: Tito Puente
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: Descarga, Cal Tjader

Find The Music: Jamey Aebersold Volume 64 - “Salsa/Latin Jazz”

7. Afro-Blue
Written by: Mongo Santamaria
Rhythm: Afro-Cuban 6/8
Recording to Check Out: Soul Sauce, Cal Tjader

Find The Music: Jamey Aebersold Volume 64 - “Salsa/Latin Jazz”

8. Como Fue
Written by: Ernesto Duarte Brito
Rhythm: Bolero
Recording to Check Out: Indestructible, Irakere

9. Sabor A Mi
Written by: Alvaro Carrillo
Rhythm: Bolero
Recording to Check Out: Ahora, Manny Oquendo & Libre

10. On Green Dolphin Street
Written by: Bronislau Kaper
Rhythm: Son Montuno, 2-3 Clave
Recording to Check Out: Live At Birdland, Hilton Ruiz

Stumble it!