Cubop claims many more famous people than the one idealized by the 50's audiences of rural America in the black and white box. Names like Mario Bauzá, Frank Grillo “Machito”, Arturo “Chico” O’Farrill, and Israel Lopez “Cachao." These men played both big band with Benny Goodman and Cab Calloway and the music of Havanna that fed their souls. These weren't only musicians, but composers and musical inventors creating the sensational Mambo. It has been said that when Chano Pazo joined the infamous Dizzy Gillespie and shared the secret rhythms of an African cult, he paid for it with his life.

Pre-embargo, the wealthy would slip off the Florida coast over to the island seeping with energy and sexuality. Sucking the beauty of the island down during the night, the disdained her by day. Their appetites whetted in many ways, they fell in love and when barred from satiating themselves in the Cuban culture, they went looking for it in other places.

Meanwhile, a generation more removed from the island was growing up in New York, experimenting with a new recipe that mixed Jazz, Soul, and Rock. They welcomed the experiences of those from other Caribbean islands and blended their contributions (The Bomba and Merengue) with lyrics of social conscience and content.

The 60's didn't just affect American culture. It added it's own spice to the swirling stew of Cubop. While the United States rollicked with civil rights issues, Latin Jazz was rollicking with the Brazilian Bossanova and Samba influences. In the 70's, Jazz Fusion came along and introduced the Brazilian percussionist. This coolness was welcomed by the years of Americans warmed by the "Cuban fire."

The most recognized name of Latin Jazz is that of Tito Puente. An energetic man with the world's most agile hands, he wore his crown as a purist yet optimistic King and has yet to be dethroned, even in death.

Today's artists, ride the wave perfected by the legends and are creating new giants of the genre, as well. (Arturo Sandoval and Francisco Aguabella are two of my personal favorites). The Smithsonian currently has a 12-city, five- year traveling exhibition across the United States and Caribbean that "explores the rhythms and traditions of Latin Jazz. Search the dates and find a venue. Take an afternoon and immerse yourself in the rich sultry music and history of Cubop. It'll put a dance in your step; a sexy, fiery step, so beware and be warned.

Oh, and I eventually made that list. It took longer to embrace her positive contributions as being reflective in who I am. But through it, I found out I like us both. And that's a good thing.
Thanks to Luis Moreno for his "A Brief History of Latin Jazz."