Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 264 - Effective for Cooling Down in the Summer Heat! Latin Jazz Music Last Part

Experience the Depth of Latin Jazz Through African, Cuban, and Brazilian Influences

Continuing from the previous article, this is the final article of my Latin Jazz feature—this time focusing on vocals in Latin Jazz.
While percussion is undoubtedly the unsung hero of Latin Jazz, there's another crucial element that must not be overlooked: vocals.

When you hear Brazilian-flavored vocals seamlessly blending into Afro-Cuban Latin grooves, you truly get a sense of the wide-ranging scope and deep richness of Latin Jazz.

Behind Latin Jazz lies Brazil, Africa, and Cuba. As these influences mixed, the music shifted and leaned more toward Brazil, and then we’re closer to bossa nova or samba; lean more toward Cuba, and salsa became more prominent. Each country's unique traits are reflected within the tapestry of Latin Jazz.
It’s through the fusion of musical elements from different regions and nations that new forms of Latin Jazz are born. Imagine this rich background as you listen adds another layer of enjoyment.

■ Recommended Album: Dianne Reeves – I Remember (1991)

A classic early masterpiece by Dianne Reeves, released in 1991.
This album marked the blossoming of her reputation as a jazz singer. The selection of songs spans a wide range of genres, including standard jazz, rhythm & blues, world music, and pop.
Jazz standards such as "Afro Blue," "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," "Love for Sale," and "How High the Moon" are also featured.
The lineup includes legends such as Billy Childs (piano), Tony Williams (drums), Stanley Clarke (bass), and Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), a fantastic all-star ensemble.

Recommended Track: “Afro Blue”

This piece is well known for being interpreted by John Coltrane, with McCoy Tyner on piano and Elvin Jones on drums bringing out its full appeal. Dianne Reeves’s vocal rendition doesn’t stray far from the original, as it conveys a clear sense of respect toward Coltrane.
Her version of “Afro Blue” features an arrangement heavily infused with salsa influences, unmistakably rooted in Latin jazz. Multiple metallic percussion, such as cowbells ring out, while the güiro vividly outlines the rhythm. As the undulating lines of the upright bass evoke the African landscape, Dianne Reeves’s voice slips in seamlessly.
The backing harmony is kept minimal, with just simple chords on acoustic piano, while the melody is carried by the improvisational saxophone resounding behind her vocals.
It’s such a deeply earthy arrangement that one might feel transported to the African continent, listening to a near-primal chant from the people. This is a hybrid jazz piece that’s a fusion of Africa and Cuba.

■ Recommended Album: Lou Rawls LIVE! (1967)

Lou Rawls’ first live album. In addition to performing his own hit songs, he also covers jazz standards and classic bossa nova pieces. At the time, his popularity was so great that he even rivaled Frank Sinatra, topping the male vocalist category and enjoying overwhelming success.
What makes him truly captivating is his ability to bring a jazz swing feel to any song he sings, all while adding a native, earthy flavor. Lou Rawls’s true strength lies in the fact that he is never just a jazz or blues singer—he transcends genres.

Recommended Track: “The Girl from Ipanema”

A masterpiece by Antônio Carlos Jobim. This is a great example of what “The Girl from Ipanema” sounds like when sung by Lou Rawls. The characteristic dry, airy feel of bossa nova is absent here and is replaced by a more native and jazzy flavor. The rhythm leans more toward a 4-beat swing rather than traditional bossa nova, and Lou performs vocal swings beautifully. Tommy Strode’s piano solo also leans heavily into jazzy and bluesy elements.

■ Recommended Album: Duke Pearson – How Insensitive (1969)

A masterpiece released in 1969 by Duke Pearson. Duke is not only a pianist, but also a talented flugelhorn player, composer, arranger, and a producer for the Blue Note label. He was one of the great masters of the jazz scene.
Duke’s music contains a uniquely melodic quality that’s distinct from the so-called complex or difficult jazz, and many have praised this aspect. I’m also fond of that side of his music.
Although this album falls under Latin jazz, it leans heavily into the realm of Brazilian music. Another notable element is the participation of percussionist Airto Moreira and his wife, Flora Purim. These two artists remove a certain “jazziness” from the work and instead bring in the distinctive fragrance of Brazilian music.

Recommended Track: “Sandalia Dela”

A composition by Duke Pearson, blending elements of bossa nova and samba. It is known in Japanese as “Kanojo no Sandaru [The Girl’s Sandals]”.
This is a light Latin jazz vocal piece based on a samba rhythm. While it has roots in Brazilian music, its touch differs from typical bossa nova. This may largely be due to the unique sensibility of Duke Pearson as a jazz pianist.
Flora Purim’s vocals sound charming over the grooving rhythm. The scent of jazz seems to melt and disappear into her singing.
Percussion is by Flora’s husband, Airto Moreira. He was a central figure in Return to Forever, the group founded by Chick Corea, and greatly contributed to the creation of new jazz styles. This may also be one of the reasons why this track lacks the stereotypical aroma of jazz or bop.

Recommended Track: “Lamento”

The final track of the album is “Lamento”, composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes—an iconic duo from the golden age of bossa nova.
What stands out in this track is the piano solo by Duke Pearson. Jobim also performed this piece on his album Wave, but here, you can hear a completely different approach to the solo. The way Duke deliberately chooses “outside” notes reminds us that he is a jazz pianist. The contrast with Jobim, a Brazilian musician, is striking and makes for an interesting comparison.
Additionally, Airto Moreira’s woodblock-style percussion subtly enhances the Latin flavor of the track. This is a completely different world from Jobim’s bossa nova.

Artists, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured This Time

• Artists: Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Tommy Strode, Duke Pearson, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Antonio Carlos Jobim, etc.
• Albums: I Remember, LIVE!, How Insensitive
• Recommended Tracks: “Afro Blue”, “The Girl from Ipanema”, “Sandalia Dela”, “Lamento”

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