The first half of 2011 has resonated with two distinct themes: outstanding music and an unacceptable lack of respect for the artists that create it. On one side of the equation, some of the Latin Jazz world’s greatest musicians have released unforgettable albums. On the other side, the National Academy Of Arts And Sciences eliminated the Latin Jazz Grammy, along with 30 other diverse musical categories, making an unacceptable statement about the place of these musics in our culture. In order to describe the status of the Grammys in 2011, we could turn Frank Sinatra’s famous quote upside down and say, “Remember ladies and gentlemen, it’s about popularity, not excellence.” With that in mind, we’re going to spend several days looking back at Latin Jazz releases from the first half of 2011 that represent musical excellence . . . and since the state of Grammys in 2011 had nothing to do with excellence, these albums will not be winning Grammy Awards.

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Mongorama
José Rizo’s Mongorama

Album Release Date: June 21, 2011

Why You Should Hear It:
Long time Los Angeles radio personality and bandleader José Rizo has gathered some of the best musicians in the area, paying tribute Mongo Santamaria on Mongorama. An ominous riff forms the basis of “Bacoso,” providing a strong jumping off point for solos from flautist Hubert Laws, violinist Dayren Santamaria, and conguero Joey DeLeon. A powerful vocal from Adonis Puentes struts Santamaria’s pizzicato violin on “Las Guajiras,” leading into a mix of jazz and tipico on solos from flautist Danilo Lozano and DeLeon. A driving cha cha cha balances a soulful melody and an elegant bridge on “Bluechanga,” opening into fiery solos from saxophonist Justo Almario, pianist Oscar Hernandez, and DeLeon. Rizo contributes the upbeat original composition “Asi Es La Vida,” capturing Santamaria’s essence with an exciting solo from conguero Poncho Sanchez. The group relishes in the relaxed groove on “Guajira At The Blackhawk,” bouncing between a catchy coro and playful solos from Lozano, Alamario, and Sanchez. The music on Mongorama is both reflective and modern, celebrating Santamaria’s legacy in a contemporary context filled with joy and exuberance.

Musicians On The Album:

Saxophonist Justo Almario

Flautist Danilo Lozano

Pianist Oscar Hernandez

Timbalero Ramon Banda

Bassist Rene Camacho

Conguero Joey DeLeon

Vocalist Adonis Puente

Violinist Dayren Santamaria

Percussionist Alfredo Ortiz

Pianist Alberto Salas

What The Grammys Are Missing:

Santamaria is one of the icons of the Latin Jazz world, but the general public generally associates him with his funkier music of the sixties and seventies. The conguero explored an interesting blend of jazz and Cuban charanga in the fifties though, and this is the repertoire that Rizo spotlights with Mongorama. As a result, the album opens the door upon a lesser-known period in Santamaria’s career, encouraging a new generation to discover this beautiful music.

Mongorama is by all means a super group that brings together the best of the Los Angeles Latin music scene. All of these musicians have made waves in world-renowned groups, but Mongorama gives them a chance to playfully jump into music that they love. The results are simultaneously fun, inspiring, and artistically vibrant.

Since the musicians in Mongorama have been around the block in the music business, they have some famous friends that join the party here. Latin Jazz superstar conguero Poncho Sanchez makes an appearance, as does well-known jazz flautist Hubert Laws. These guests jump right into the spirit of the music and relish in Santamaria’s legacy, making the celebration all the more exciting.

More from José Rizo:
Rizo has been a pivotal figure on the Los Angeles Latin Jazz scene for many years, not only spreading the word about the music through his radio show, but also leading all-star groups. His recordings with The Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars deliver a musical knockout punch that you don’t want to miss.

José Rizo’s Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars: The Last Bullfighter

José Rizo’s Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars: Tambolero

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Don’t let this attack on Latin Jazz go unnoticed – send your e-mail in support of the Latin Jazz Grammy today. You can start with a message to NARAS President and CEO Neil Portnow, his e-mail address is: neil@grammy.com Make sure that you sign the petition to get the Latin Jazz Grammy reinstated – you can find it HERE. Get additional information and updates on LJC’s Support Page For The Latin Jazz Grammy.

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Mongorama
Album Of The Week: Tambolero, José Rizo’s Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars
10 Latin Jazz Perspectives On Charlie Parker
Wishful Thinking: Jazz On The Latin Side All-Stars On Video

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