Some musicians leave the world far too early, keeping us wondering about untold possibilities. Some of these musicians only show a flash of brilliance, demonstrating their ability to construct some great music at a young age. The general public usually elevates these musicians to legendary status quickly after their death, but in reality, they’ve only shown promise. They leave behind questions about what they would accomplish with their potential, and the mythology that rises around them seems unfounded. Other musicians lead long and competent careers, always creating pleasing music, but never really pushing the envelope. These artists leave us wondering about their lack of momentum and what might have happening if only they had tried a different approach. Other musicians live their life to the fullest, taking every opportunity to create the most interesting music possible, only stopping when death takes them away. These musicians leave a hole in the music world when they leave, and they often leave a hole in our hearts; their work is so important, it becomes an essential part of our life. With so much great music behind them, it’s hard to expect that they would top their finest accomplishments if only they had more time. These musicians never disappointed us though, and we believe that if anyone could push the Latin Jazz world into a better place, it’s certainly them. When we consider the vague world of untold possibilities, it’s these passionate and exciting musicians that always sit in the forefront of our attention.

49 years ago today, on June 15th 1961, Miguel “Anga” Diaz, one of the Latin Jazz world’s most innovative and important congueros was born in the in Pinar del Rio province of Cuba. Bathed in the area’s rumba traditions, Diaz showed musical talent early and after years of informal practice, began formal studies at the age of ten. Four years later, he was offered a scholarship to the National School Of The Arts in Havana, giving him the opportunity to work with legendary Cuban percussionists Tata Güines and Julio Barretto. During the eighties, he toured and recorded with Cuban jazz group Opus 13, whose experimental edge served as a prelude to Diaz’s later open minded explorations. Pianist Chucho Valdes noticed Diaz during this time and recruited Diaz for the ground-breaking Cuban Jazz group Irakere. He remained with the group for almost ten years, and during that time, he caught the attention of the world for his prodigious technique and outstanding musicality. He continued the development of rhythmic patterns around five congas began by original Irakere percussionist Lazaro Alfonso, and many percussionists around the world saw him as a model for percussion excellence. By the nineties, Diaz had garnered enough attention and experience to move onto a solo career, so he left Irakere. He collaborated with Güines and fellow Irakere alumni flautist Orlando “Maraca” Valle on the 1994 album Pasaporte, bringing him an EGREM prize for Album Of The Year. In 1996, he was a key part of jazz trumpet player Roy Hargrove’s Latin Jazz group Crisol, earning a Grammy for their album Habana. In 2000, Diaz thrilled percussionists around the world with the release of his first instructional video Anga Mania! and then caught the ears of the world stage on bassist Cachaito‘s 2001 album. He released his own album as a leader in 2005, the recording Echu Mingua, giving the world a glimpse of his future brilliance. Unfortunately this potential was cut short when he died of a heart attack on August 9th, 2006.

We can only imagine that Diaz would be making cutting edge Latin Jazz if he were alive today; his musical insight, artistic passion, and amazing technique guaranteed good things. In honor of Diaz and his memorable contributions to the Latin Jazz world, we’re dedicating today’s Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix to his legacy. The first clip places Diaz where he made he mark – with Irakere, showing the world his unbelievable handle on the world of conga rhythms. The second video shows Hargrove’s all-star Latin Jazz band Crisol performing at the Montréal Jazz Festival with some inspiring solo spots for Diaz. The last piece displays the creative energy apparent in Diaz’s world as he casually develops a musical interplay with Cachaito in the studio. It’s some great music in memory of an important musician – enjoy!

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Miguel “Anga” Diaz Soloing With Irakere In 1994

Miguel “Anga” Diaz Performing “Una Mas” With Roy Hargrove’s Crisol

Miguel “Anga” Diaz & Cachaito Experimenting In The Studio

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Want to hear more from Miguel “Anga” Diaz? Check out these albums:

Miguel “Anga” Diaz: Echu Mingua

Irakere: Live at Ronnie Scott’s

The Cuban All-Stars: Pasaporte

Roy Hargrove’s Crisol: Habana

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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:
Reflections Upon An Influential Education: 10 Albums From Irakere Alumni
Undivided Attention: Tata Güines On Video
Orlando Lopez (1933 – 2009): 5 Albums To Help Remember Cachaíto
The Band That Got Away – Irakere On Video

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