By Javier Antonio Quiñones Ortiz

The Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest, already stepping into its second decade, is the premiere event of its kind. The ongoing reach of this musical enterprise--which already links several geographical points in the world's jazz map--attests to this fact. The jewel of Caribbean jazz festivals emphasizes Latin jazz and Puerto Rican styles, but it has matured to include renowned international acts and performers. The top jazz talent represented throughout the history of the festival has established a pinnacle of culture, not unlike that of the Puerto Rican El Morro, to further the ongoing development of this music on the Island of Enchantment. This year's festival is dedicated to the master drummer Patato ValdÈs, who has been hugely influential in Latin jazz for over 50 years.

This special section dedicated to the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest will continue to expand as the festival continues to develop. We offer reviews of every recording ever made in the history of the Festival, as well as interviews of prominent featured musicians, plus additional information.

As you peruse this special feature, the richness of the Jazz Fest should become increasingly clear. In addition to the years of inspired music it has made available for listeners both in the Caribbean and around the world, the festival has also become a fertile platform for jazz performers. It provides valuable stage experience and exposure for jazz musicians, and it has given future generations of musicians opportunities to gain jazz scholarships. The Jazz Fest has led to renovation of performance venues, rediscovery and development of non-mainstream Puerto Rican musical crafts, and other cultural benefits for participants and audiences alike.

Dip into this special feature and perhaps you'll find an opportunity to expand your cultural horizons too!

Festival CD Reviews

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Interviews

Ángel "Papo" Vázquez
Giovanni Tommaso

Links

Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest
Puerto Rico (General)
Puerto Rico (CIA Factbook)
Puerto Rico: History
Puerto Rico: Music (1)
Puerto Rico: Music (2)
Plena y Bomba
Salsa 101
Ángel "Papo" Vázquez
Carlos "Patato" Valdés