We often hold a small group of musicians on a pedestal as legends – a fair deal, since most of these artists deserve the title; unfortunately, we inevitably leave out a musician that has left a great influence upon the Latin Jazz world. Most Latin Jazz fans would agree that Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, and Bebo Valdes have all earned legendary status, through their decades of steady performance and significant innovations in the genre. We can point to important recordings that spread the music’s popular appeal or signaled a major turning point in artistic directions. Personal memories often hold these artists near to our hearts, based upon exciting concerts we attended or the large impact that the artists held in our lives. If we’re lucky enough, we might even have memories of these musicians as people that we knew as friends or fellow musicians. The musicians that have effected out lives in these ways become legends to us, but what about similar that have escaped our notice? There are definitely artists from other countries that have put the same sort of time into Latin Jazz, and they enjoy legendary status in their homelands. Perhaps a chance encounter with these musicians would capture our imaginations and cement their reputations into our consciousness. These musicians deserve the opportunity to earn our respect and share the music that made them legendary.

Bobby Carcassés is a legend in Cuba, an artist that has made a major impact upon the island’s jazz scene and certainly deserves greater recognition worldwide. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1938, Carcassés moved to Cuba at the age of four and quickly became interested in the island’s popular music, soaking up the sounds of artists such as Beny Moré. In his teens, Carcassés began working as a vocalist, joining several a-cappella groups and eventually becoming employed at the legendary Tropicana Nightclub. He left the island in the sixties, moving to Europe, where he performed alongside musicians such as Bud Powell and Kenny Clarke. A return to Cuba found Carcassés working in radio and television, as well as leading his own jazz group. Over the following decade, Carcassés built his reputation and became a key figure in the establishment of the Havana Jazz Festival. He helped organize the first festival in 1980, bringing together musicians from Cuba and the United States into what would become one of the island’s most treasured events. He traveled to the States, Europe, and Canada during the nineties, and in 1998, he released Jazz Timbero, an impressive release that included some of Cuba’s best jazz musicians including Chucho Valdes, Jose “Changuito” Quintana, Cesar Lopez, and more. Carcassés continued to stay busy recording and performing, appearing on Canadian saxophonist Jane Bunnett’s Cuban Odyssey and Del Pasado al Presente from The Cuban Masters Ensemble. His most recent release, De La Habana a Nueva York brings the vocalist and trumpet player together with Stateside Cuban musicians such Dafnis Prieto, Osmany Paredes, Yosvany Terry, and more. Carcassés made his mark upon Cuba’s jazz scene, rightfully earning the legend title, a symbol of respect that should translate to the Latin Jazz scene worldwide.

Carcassés deserves some recognition, and the fantastic music on De La Habana a Nueva York should help that happen. In recognition of Carcassés’ lifetime of work, we’re dedicating today’s Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix to him. The first clip finds Carcassés performing one of his pieces, “Blues Para Beny Moré,” alongside flautist Orlando “Maraca” Valle in Guatemala. The second video places Carcassés with another great Cuban musician, pianist Roberto Fonseca, as the two join a group for a descarga in Havana. The last snippet shows Carcassés performing another one of his pieces, “Blues Para Chano Pozo,” with his group – the audio is a bit funky on this one, but give it a shot, it’s worth it! It’s a good introduction to a great musician – enjoy!

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Bobby Carcassés Performing “Blues Para Beny Moré” With Orlando “Maraca” Valle In Guatemala

Bobby Carcassés Performing In Havana With Pianist Roberto Fonseca

Bobby Carcassés Performing “Blues Para Chano Pozo”

Jazz Timbero

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Want to hear more from Bobby Carcassés? Check out these albums:

Jazz Timbero

Cuban Odyssey

Del Pasado al Presente

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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: Orlando “Maraca” Valle And The Monterey Latin Jazz All-Stars
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Yosvany Terry And Dafnis Prieto
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Brian Andres And The Afro-Cuban Jazz Cartel
Latin Jazz: A Legitimate American Music

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