The 2018 Earshot Jazz Festival starts on Sunday, October 7, and in keeping with Earshot's committment to diversity and variety, there's something for everyone on the concert schedule. Let's preview the shows of particular interest to Latin Jazz fans:
Violinist Regina Carter has often explored the African roots of American music, and occasionally recorded some traditional Cuban songs. She brings her quartet to the Triple Door for two shows this Sunday, 10/7.
Brazilian pianist and composer Jovino Santos Neto is the Earshot Festival's Artist-in-Residence this year, and he'll be performing in several different configurations throughout the festival: 10/9 with pianist Jasnam Daya Singh, with the Roosevelt High School Jazz Band on 10/29, and with his own big band and quintet on 11/2.
Spanish multi-instrumentalist Marina Albero lives and breathes music. She's a fascinating and joyful performer on piano, vibes and psalterium. See for yourself on 10/12 at the Chapel Performance Space at Good Shepherd Center.
Adam O'Farrill is a young trumpeter with a rich Afro-Cuban musical heritage. He's the son of pianist and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill and the grandson of legendary composer/bandleader Chico O'Farrill. Adam's quartet focuses on modern sounds, and includes his brother Zach on drums. They'll play two shows at the Royal Room on October 13.
Ann Reynolds' Clave Gringa: Seattle-based pianist Ann Reynolds has studied with top-notch Cuban musicians, and brought it all home with her band, performing Cuban classics as well as her own compelling original compositions. Clave Gringa appears at the Royal Room for two shows on 10/21.
Trumpeter Tom Harrell's 2013 album Colors of a Dream deftly explored Latin rhythms, and for the festival he's joined by bassist Ugonna Okegwo, drummer Adam Cruz and Cuban pianist David Virelles at the Seattle Art Museum on 10/24.
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque: The Cuban all-women band lead by Canadian sax and flute player Jane Bunnett started as a mentoring and recording project for brilliant female Cuban musicians, and now is one of the hottest bands on the North American jazz scene. They'll play two shows at the Triple Door on 11/4, and you should not miss them.
The Earshot Jazz Festival is a perfect opportunity to discover new music and artists, so stretch a little and explore the festival schedule.
Listen for Jovino Santos Neto and Jane Bunnett and Maqueque this week on Saturday Jazz Caliente!
Jazz Caliente airs Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. The show is hosted by Robin Lloyd and produced by KNKX Public Radio.
