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Jazz on the Island of Enchantment: The Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest

By Javier AQ Ortiz
June 3, 2004
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The Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest, 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. Last year's festival was dedicated to Chick Corea, whose involvement with Latin jazz ranges from Mongo Santamaría to Mark Weinstein and his Cosa Nueva Orchestra.

This special section dedicated to the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest 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 JazzFest 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 JazzFest 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 , 2002

Interviews
Ángel “Papo” Vázquez
Giovanni Tommaso

Links
Puerto Rico Heineken Jazzfest
Puerto Rico (CIA Factbook)
Music of Puerto Rico
Salsa 101
Ángel “Papo” Vázquez
Carlos “Patato” Valdés

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