2007 Latin Jazz Album of the Year
In Case You Missed It, Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits

Marlon Simon pulled together several pieces of tradition, innovation, and personal vision into a broad concept, resulting in the 2007 Latin Jazz masterpiece, In Case You Missed It. Simon brought strings into Santeria music and then added jazz harmony; the resulting tracks explored the connections between these sometimes diverse musical styles. From the richly orchestrated strings of “Un Canto A Ericka” to the bowed bass interpretation of a canto a Obatala on “Overture,” the classical influence brought a seriousness and depth to the music rarely found on Latin Jazz recordings. Other songs focused upon small group Latin Jazz, continuing down the road forged by groups like Cal Tjader, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band. Simon and his group stretched this genre with impassioned improvising, limitless interaction, and Simon’s inventive compositions. The creative songwriting and arranging really brought this album into a high level of artistic success; Simon integrated both old and new rhythmic genres as well as a finely tuned melodic sensibility into a truly personal Latin Jazz sound. Where others have seen borders, Simon saw possibilities; when he infused his high sense of artistic integrity into these possibilities, he created a truly outstanding collection of music that set the bar for Latin Jazz performance in 2007.

Who Else Scored Well: Con Alma, Mark Weinstein

From his ground breaking Cuban Roots album in 1967 to his free jazz influenced Latin Jazz album Algo Mas, Mark Weinstein has long established himself as a creative leader in the Latin Jazz world - a fact that continued in 2007 with Con Alma. Weinstein once again engaged his exploratory nature, moving away from his past experimental approaches into a more mainstream Latin Jazz repertoire. He wisely gathered a strong core quintet, filled with master musicians - pianist Mark Levine, bassist Santi Debriano, drummer Mauricio Herrera, and percussionist Pedrito Martinez. These five musicians brought together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and artistic vision that resulted in energetic and professional performances. The group chose interesting jazz standards, which they personalized with creative arrangements - John Coltrane’s “Crescent” became an up-tempo son montuno, Wayne Shorter’s “Fee Fi Fo Fum” floated over a danzon-influenced rhythm, and Bobby Hutcherson’s “Gotcha” worked around a funky cha cha cha. In addition, Weinstein, Levine, and Debriano each contributed original compositions that added a sense of personalization to the album. The outstanding musicality of these five performers combined with Weinstein’s unique artistic slant placed Con Alma at the top of the Latin Jazz releases for 2007.

2007 Latin Jazz Next Generation Artist
Mari Rosa
Honeyspot
Mari Rosa displayed an incredible vocal tone, traditional phrasing, a modern sensibility, and a deep connection with the bossa nova on her 2007 release Honeyspot; these strong qualities just scratch the surface of her musicality, which stands to anchor the Next Generation. Rosa’s vocal performance displays stunning range; she taps into the rhythmic essence of bossa nova on Jobim’s “Brigas Nunca Mais,” she recalls classic jazz vocalists on “So Fine (Ohh la la),” and she conjures an operatic elegance on “Besame Mucho.” While her interpretive qualities excel, Rosa’s compositional skills bring a contemporary aesthetic to the music. She combines a variety of rhythmic feels with witty lyrics on “Outerspace Girl,” she places jazz harmonies and a bossa nova feel over a pop form, giving a fusion feel to “Honeyspot,” and her heartfelt lyrics float over the sultry feel on “You Mean The World To Me.” Each performance simultaneously holds a true line to the jazz vocal tradition and bossa nova history while spotlighting an original voice that projects an experience and vision far beyond Rosa’s young years. With her artistic personality shining through her work and her feet solidly placed in the music’s history, Rosa projects a positive future for the Next Generation.

Who Else Scored Well: Insight - A Genesis
While many young musicians spend their early career honing their skills as sidemen, some have such burning statements that they need to be recorded - this statement applies strongly to the Curtis Brothers’ group Insight and their 2007 release A Genesis. The group brings a knowledge of Latin genres far beyond their years, exploring both folkloric and popular styles from Cuba. Their sense of jazz aesthetics reflects a deep study of modern improvisers; their impassioned statements run both in and out of chord changes. The rhythm section boldly walks the line between Latin music and jazz - every rhythmic style remains true to its roots while the musicians interact strongly with their band mates. The group’s repertoire focuses upon original compositions that break any stereotypes associated with Latin Jazz while staying deeply rooted in the music’s lineage. The Curtis Brothers and their Insight band members still put in their time as sidemen, but their artistic vision rivals their employers - A Genesis remains one of 2007’s must-hear albums.

Thanks again to everyone that voted! If you’d like to see all the results, check out the Best of 2007 tab at the top of the page. It’s been a great year for Latin Jazz - let’s celebrate all the wonderful music!

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