Home » Jazz Articles » Latin Jazz Orchestra

Jazz Articles about Latin Jazz Orchestra

About Latin Jazz Orchestra

Album Review

Latin Jazz Orchestra: Havana Blues

by Jack Bowers
September 1, 1998

Whenever the words “Latin" and “Jazz" appear side-by-side in a descriptive phrase (in this case the name of an orchestra), one can be almost certain that either one (Latin, rhythm) or the other (Jazz, improvisation) predominates. In this case, it's rhythm - but that's not to say that improvisation is entirely overlooked (there are engaging choruses along the way by saxophonists Dodgion, Brainin and Lagond; trumpeter Seeley; pianist Arturo O'Farrill; trombonist Vásquez; vibraphonist Mendoza, and drummer/co-leader Rendón, among others). But ...

Album Review

Latin Jazz Orchestra: Havana Blues

by Joel Roberts
June 1, 1998

With the current vogue for Latin jazz, one hopes this fine new effort by the Latin Jazz Orchestra receives the attention it deserves. The album brings together some of New York's top players for a relaxed set of dance tunes and standards. Led by trumpeter Armando Rodriguez and percussionist Victor Rendon, who have been playing together since their student days at North Texas State in the early '70s, the orchestra (actually more of a small big-band on most numbers) smoothly ...