The Latin Jazz Tradition in Big Band
Latin jazz has been part of the big band tradition since the 1940s, when Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo first blended Afro-Cuban rhythms with bebop. Today, Latin jazz arrangements are a staple of any well-rounded big band repertoire.
The Main Latin Styles
Bossa Nova Origin: Brazil, late 1950s Feel: Cool, laid-back, sophisticated Key rhythm: Samba-influenced, but softer and more intimate Famous examples: "The Girl from Ipanema," "Corcovado"
Bossa nova is the most accessible Latin style for jazz bands. The rhythms are complex but not overwhelming, and the harmonic language overlaps significantly with jazz.
Mambo Origin: Cuba, 1940s Feel: High-energy, driving, exciting Key rhythm: Clave-based, with strong horn punches Famous examples: "Mambo No. 5," "Tito Puente arrangements"
Mambo arrangements are crowd-pleasers but require a strong rhythm section and good section coordination.
Cha-Cha Origin: Cuba, 1950s Feel: Playful, danceable, medium tempo Key rhythm: Distinctive "cha-cha-cha" pattern