Latin Jazz is a musical style with many different facets, built upon the work of different types of instrumentalists; still, without a doubt, percussion provides the heart and soul of the music. For most people, percussion is the identifying factor that sets the music apart from other genres. For most people, congas, timbales, bongo, cajón, a go-go bells, and more serve as a symbol of South American and Caribbean identity in music. The percussion instruments make definitive cultural connections between genre, race, and heritage, linking to traditions that date hundreds of years into the past. While today’s Latin Jazz puts these rhythms into dance and experimental contexts, they originated in folkloric forms with functional, recreational, or religious connections in the Caribbean of South America; in other words, they served as vital pieces of people’s lives. Percussion brings a deeply rooted human instinct into the forefront of the music as well, relating to that piece of ourselves that thrives upon rhythm. A powerful percussion solo communicates the passion, investment, and excitement of a piece of music with more clarity than any other instrument. Percussion provides the backbone, identity, and cultural connection to Latin Jazz – without a strong percussionist driving a band, the group’s sound shrinks far below its potential.

Annette Aguilar has been a strong percussion presence on New York’s Latin music scene for many years, both as a bandleader and support musician. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Aguilar moved towards drumming at an early age, influenced by the wide diversity of available music from boleros to The Grateful Dead. She dived into the Latin music world, getting encouragement from local icons like Chepito Areas and Pete Escovedo. Still, Aguilar gravitated towards classical music, leading her to pursue an undergraduate degree in performance from San Francisco State University and a Master’s Degree in Music from the Manhattan School of Music. In New York for her graduate studies, Aguilar attended the Harbor Performing Arts School, coming into contact with many important Latin Jazz figures such as Luis Bauzo and Jerry Gonzalez. She built a solid performance career in New York, doing studio work, classical percussion gigs, musical pit work, sideman gigs, and of course, Latin Jazz and Salsa. Encouraged by a wealth of positive feedback, Aguilar formed her own group in 1992, Annette Aguilar & Stringbeans, with a dual focus upon Afro-Cuban Jazz and Brazilian Jazz. After several years of regular work in New York, the group released their first recording, the 1999 album Special Friends. The group followed with another album in 2008, No Cheap Dates, displaying a refined concept and strong Latin Jazz presence. Aguilar has become a steady presence upon New York’s Latin Jazz scene, and a bandleader worth following.

Today’s Latin Jazz Video Fix will be dedicated to the Aguilar and the powerful presence of percussion in Latin Jazz. Both clips feature Aguilar performing in a percussion-focused context, giving us some insight into her prowess and a reminder about the importance of the percussionist in Latin Jazz. Annette Aguilar and Stringbeans will be releasing their third CD, The Day Waits For Nobody very soon, so this is a great opportunity to discover Aguilar’s playing. We’ll be covering that album as it arrives, but for now, check out the videos and enjoy the percussion – enjoy!

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Annette Aguilar With Drummer Benny Koonyvesky At Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe

Annette Aguilar Performing With Julito Alvarado In Puerto Rico

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Want More From Annette Aguilar? Check out her earlier albums:

No Cheap Dates

Special Friends

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in - it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans - let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Marlon Simon & Black Chantilly
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Eric Kurimski
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Edmar Castaneda
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Jovino Santos Neto

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