With so much great music passing by us, it’s easy to miss some of the memorable albums that hit us during 2012; that would be a pity though – there was just so much good stuff. In the hopes of helping everyone find their way towards some great Latin Jazz from 2012, I’ve compiled a list of the some of the year’s highlights. There’s probably some things on here that you’ve heard, and there’s likely some things that you’ve missed. Take the opportunity to catch up on an album that you haven’t heard or revisit one that you haven’t checked out in a while. If there’s something missing here, let me know in the comments – I’m always on the look out for great music! Just make sure you don’t miss this great music – there’s a lot of good stuff behind us and more coming in 2013! Happy New Year!
Big Band Latin Jazz
Multiverse – Bobby Sanabria Big Band
Oasis – Papo Vazquez Mighty Pirates Troubadours
For the Moment – Bob Mintzer Big Band
Hard Hitting Afro-Cuban Jazz
Live In Hollywood – Poncho Sanchez And His Latin Jazz Band
New Cuban Express – Manuel Valera
Today’s Opinion – Yosvany Terry
Afro Blue Monk – Chembo Corniel Quintet
Casa Versailles – Tumbao Bravo
The Vibesman – Mike Freeman ZonaVibe
Great Latin Jazz Vocals
Belezas – Carol Saboya
Las Aventuras de Pasión! – Kat Parra
Afro-Peruvian Jazz
Afro-Peruvian Jazz Secrets (El Secreto del Jazz Afroperuano) – Gabriel Alegria Afro-Pervuain Sextet
Tangolandó – Tangolandó, Sofia Tosello & Yuri Juárez
Beatles Afro Peruvian Jazz Tribute – Richie Zellon
Brazilian Jazz
Samba Jazz – Jazz Samba – Duduka Da Fonseca Quintet
Salsa Jazz
Pacific Mambo Orchestra – Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Next Generation Latin Jazz
Conquistador – Ed Byrne’s Latin Jazz Evolution
Sounds of Space – Alfredo Rodriguez
Latin Jazz That Made Us Think Differently
Dos y Mas – Elio Villafranca & Arturo Stable
Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio – Dafnis Prieto, Kokayi & Jason Lindner
Dia Y Medio/A Day and a Half – Paquito D’Rivera & Berta Rojas