Jazz Articles

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 2001

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 19, 2002

Many consider the ’01 honoree of the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ) as the most complete or even the best pianist in the world. Such titles commonly fall off the mark, albeit Jesús “Chucho” Valdés , who is most definitely part of the most awesome family trio of pianists of its kind, could very well be considered an unabashed virtuoso of the instrument and a deciding figure in the development of the instrument within and beyond jazz frontiers.

Valdés begins ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 2000

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 17, 2002

Tito Puente loomed large during the ‘00 edition of the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ). His death threatened the festivities as his appearance was expected during the closing of the festival and no one knew what the reaction of the local jazz audience would be towards Puente’s demise. Thankfully, the show went on and the 10th Anniversary of this jazz festival allowed a Latin Jazz family celebration of sorts as most of the artists and groups were regulars, as well as honorees, ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 17, 2002

Although no one was honored at the ’99 edition of the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ), “Poncho” Sánchez certainly deserved the honor. Other than Ernesto “Tito” Puente, no one has ever gigged more as a Latin Jazz performer. Still today (6-’02), he is the most active Latin Jazz act in the world and sells better than most, if not all.

“Cold Duck Time/Listen Here” is Sánchez’s representation here. “Poncho” has fun playing for a good time with his audiences and ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 15, 2002

Eddie Palmieri , was the 1998 honoree of the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ). Scholarship was somewhat strained in this dedication as Palmieri’s work in jazz settings lags behind in import compared with other figures. Although it is obvious that his musical vocabulary is informed by jazz and his influence in Latin Jazz circles is a matter of multi-generational public record, it is a stretch to overstate Palmieri’s importance for jazz.

The band Palmieri fronted for this presentation was unrehearsed ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 14, 2002

Ray Barretto , who was performing jazz before he became known in Hispanic musical circles, was the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ) honoree of 1997. This edition of the HJ was held at the former grounds of a baseball park where it is said that Joshua Gibson, during the Negro Baseball League days, hit a ball more than 600 feet into the adjacent ocean as a member of a local professional baseball team. This production is laden with musical ripeness and less ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 96 En honor a Cachao

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 11, 2002

Jaco Pastorius’ favorite bassist, unlike him, is still alive and well. Back in 1996, the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ), was issuing another recording benefiting the Heineken Jazz Workshop Fund while honoring said bassist, Israel López “Cachao” . López, nonetheless, is not a jazz bassist, nor is he known as such; neither does he perform a jazz number in this album. Nonetheless, to lesser and greater degrees, he has influenced manifold jazz developments and figures. Now, (June-’02) he is advanced in age ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 95 en honor a Tito Puente

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 9, 2002

By 1995 the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ), was issuing its fifth recording. Newyorican Ernesto “Tito” Puente was the honoree following the festival’s convention of honoring living Hispanic jazz figures. This is the first time that Luis Álvarez, the Executive Director of the Festival, wrote a message in the liner notes. Furthermore, this is the first time in the recordings of the HJ that some of the jazz students that benefit from the sale of the releases were featured in a group. ...

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Various: Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest 1994

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 6, 2002

Heineken Jazzfest 1994 , was the fourth recording in the history of this event; highlighting, as all their yearly compact discs do, some of the performances. Peruvian drummer Alex Acuña , was the honoree following the festival’s habit of honoring living Hispanic jazz figures. This was the first time, however, in which there was some controversy with the festival’s honoree as many critics felt that Acuña did not deserve to be honored and that his family connections to the producer ...

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Various: Heineken Jazzfest 1993 In Tribute to Mongo Santamar

by Javier AQ Ortiz
June 6, 2002

Heineken Jazzfest 1993 , was the third installment of the documentation in this ongoing series; highlighting, as all their yearly compact discs do, some of the performances. Cuban Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría , was the living legend honored that year at the Heineken Jazzfest (HJ) following the festival’s habit of honoring living Hispanic jazz figures.

“Mongo” renders his tune “Bonita” with his distinctive sound and feel. He might be the most influential conga drum player ever. Santamaría is one of the ...