Cal Tjader was undoubtedly the most famous non-Latino leader of Latin jazz bands, an extraordinary distinction. From the 1950s until his death, he was practically the point man between the worlds of Latin jazz and mainstream bop; his light, rhythmic, joyous vibraphone manner could comfortably embrace both styles. His numerous recordings for... [+] Read More

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The older brother of Eddie Palmieri, Charlie Palmieri was every bit as gifted a pianist as his sibling, very percussive and responsive to rhythm while also flashing florid passages that were clearly the product of a classical education. His piano studies began at seven and he attended the Juilliard School of Music, turning pro at 16. He started... [+] Read More

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Clare Fischer has had a varied career as keyboardist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. The composer of two standards, "Pensativa" and "Morning," Fischer has long had an interest in Latin rhythms. After graduating from Michigan State University, he moved to Los Angeles in 1957, working as accompanist and arranger for the Hi-Lo's. He wrote for... [+] Read More

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Latin percussionist whose presence and magnetism is inspirational of its own accord. Primarily a conga player who leads contemporary Latin-jazz dance oriented bands. A premier, in-demand sideman. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

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Eddie Palmieri is one of the foremost Latin jazz pianists of the last half of the 20th century, blessed with a technique that fuses such ubiquitous jazz influences as the styles of Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, and McCoy Tyner into a Latin context. No purist, he has also shown a welcome willingness to experiment with fusions of Latin and... [+] Read More

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The former pianist and music director for George Benson, Jorge Dalto continues to fuse pop, jazz and Afro-Latin influences. The leader of the InterAmerican Band, which featured his wife, Adela, on vocals, during the mid-1980s, Dalto has continued to build on his internationally-flavored sound. His recent collaborations with his wife have blended... [+] Read More

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Was infuenced by father Buddy Kahn Harlow, a bassist. Began piano studies at age five. Wanted to be a jazz pianist until he first heard the mambo while attending Music and Art High School during the early 1950s. During the 1964 Flushing Queens World's Fair, Harlow played piano for Johnny Pacheco's conjunto before creating the Larry Harlow... [+] Read More

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An exciting and high-powered virtuoso pianist, Michel Camilo came from a very musical family (with all nine of his uncles being musicians). Originally playing accordion, he switched to piano when he was 16. After moving to New York in 1979, his song "Why Not?" became a hit for the Manhattan Transfer and caught on as a standard, and "Caribe"... [+] Read More

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An outstanding veteran pianist from Spain, Tete Montoliu was born blind. He learned to read music in Braille when he was seven and developed impressive technique on piano. He recorded with Lionel Hampton in 1956, had his first session as a leader in 1958, and played with the touring Roland Kirk in 1963. Through the years, he also worked with... [+] Read More

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