Latin Grammy 2013: Best Latin Jazz Album

I like many of the nominees for Best Latin Jazz Album in the 2013 edition of the Latin Grammy. Although I don’t have a clear favorite, I will tell you which I like the most.

My Favorite Best Latin Jazz Nominees

Poncho Sanchez (“Live in Hollywood”) – I’ll start with Poncho Sanchez and his “Live in Hollywood” CD. Poncho has had a list of nominations for recently, adding up to 9 nominations for the golden phonograph statue between Grammy and Latin Grammy. His last 3 albums (“Psychedellic Blues”, “Chano y Dizzy”, and “Live in Hollywood”) have been nominated. His only Grammy (other than last years Latin Grammy for Lifetime Achievement) was for his last “live” recording “Latin Soul” which won the Grammy in 2000.

All of that, and considering that other “live” compilation of hits by other artists have won Grammy awards recently make this a contender. “Live in Hollywood” has a great selection of Poncho’s greatest hits and is well recorded! I liked the album despite not being a big fan of “live” albums for awards.

Michel Camilo (“What’s Up”) – the Dominican piano maestro comes with another entertaining album with “What’s Up”. This is a piano solo album, where Michel demonstrates once again his virtuosity on the piano.

That said, I have to point out that in my opinion “What’s Up” is really a jazz album performed by a Latin artist. That doesn’t make it a Latin Jazz album! This is not the only jazz album in this category. I’ll point out the others as I get to them below.

Clare Fischer “Ritmo” – this album has to be one of the favorites to win this Latin Jazz category as it won it in the 2013 edition of the Grammy Awards this past February. Yet, this is another album that perhaps with the exception of one or two songs, it’s mostly a Jazz album, not Latin Jazz.

That said, it’s a great album, with complex and beautiful arrangements and performances by the late Clare Fischer band, directed by his son Bret, and the musical gusts that performed in it, including Poncho Sanchez and Alex Acuna.

Chucho Valdes (Border-Free) – the Cuban piano maestro put together another masterful CD where he combines Afro-Cuban elements with innovative piano cords. Chucho’s technique on the piano is mesmerizing, although filtering with over-complicating melodies. I did enjoy the album, but found other entries in this Latin Grammy category to be easier to enjoy.

The Rest of the Nominees for Best Latin Jazz Album

I didn’t get to listen to the other two entries in the Best Latin Jazz. Chuchito Valdes goes against his father with his album “Grand Piano Live”, the 2nd “live” album in this category along Poncho Sanchez album.

The other entry in this Latin Grammy category is “On the Way” by Negroni’s Trio. Considering it’s a trio, I have a feeling this is another Jazz album in this Latin Jazz category, but I’ll confirm when I get a hold of the CD.

Best Latin Jazz Album Conclusion

I think the Best Latin Jazz Album category is wide open and anyone could win. I don’t have a clear favorite, but can tell you I enjoyed most of the albums in this category. The nominees make great list of good music to add to your Latin Jazz (or Jazz, depending on who you pick) collection.