Formed in the late 30s Orquesta Riverside became one of the most acclaimed Cuban orchestras In the beginning the group was directed by local musician Enrique Gonzlez Mantici In 1947 that honor was taken by sax player Pedro Vila During the 50s Orquest…

A very versatile acoustic and electric bassist capable of playing straight-ahead jazz funk and fusion Brian Bromberg is also one of the few bassists to master the tapping technique made famous by Stanley Jordan sometimes sounding like three bassists …

Dominican merengue star Kinito Mndez born Jos del Carmen Ramrez got involved in popular music at the age of nine while participating in a band called Pequeos del Ritmo In 1988 he formed a tropical act called Cocoband along with Alfonso Pochi Vsquez A…

b. 3 September 1968, Hato Rey, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. Starting out as a percussionist in a Latin band with his brother, Sanchez took up the saxophone at the age of 12. By the time he was 15 he had begun taking the tenor saxophone more seriously and w…

Cuba's most well-loved masters of the traditional "son" style gathered to make the one-of-a-kind BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB album in 1996. A tribute to these aging but masterful veterans of the Cuban musical form, it was produced and organized by Ry Coo…

Originally from southern France with family roots in the flamenco tradition, the Gipsy Kings achieved enormous mainstream success in the late 1980s with their flamenco-pop. Details like infectious, rhythmic hand-clapping, rich vocals, and precise gui…

b. Ronald Laws, 3 October 1950, Houston, Texas, USA. Laws played the saxophone from the age of 12, growing up with the musicians who were to become the Crusaders - the band with which his brother Hubert Laws played. Ronnie studied at the Stephen F. A…

One of the most open-eared and forward-thinking jazz musicians of his day, Hancock has, more than just about anyone else, consistently tried to broaden the music's horizons by mixing it with the most interesting elements of contemporary pop. Hancock …

b. 2 March 1948, Torrance, California, USA. Often cited as the "guitarist's guitarist", Carlton has courted rock, jazz and acoustic new age with considerable success. The former member of the Crusaders carved a career during the 70s as a sought-after…

Because he was a crossover success, vibraphonist/percussionist Cal Tjader received his share of derision from both sides of the jazz/Latin fence. However, his sincere interest in Latin rhythms and their potential for blending with cool jazz led to a …

Formed in 1975 by saxophonist Jay Beckenstein (b. 14 May 1951, New York City, New York, USA) and pianist Jeremy Wall, the original Spyro Gyra comprised Chet Catallo (electric guitar), David Wolford (electric bass), Eli Konikoff (drums), and Gerardo V…