Show Notes
WUCF's June artist for 'In the Key of Latin Jazz' is Nestor Torres. Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, his father bought him his first drum set at age five. But eventually, he chose the flute despite his father's concerns. He moved to New York at eighteen to study classical and jazz. His unique melodic and danceable sound is shaped by his time studying the 'Charanga'. Over the past 40 years, his recordings have garnered multiple Grammy nominations and one Latin Grammy award, achieving notable status both onstage and with his commitment to the youth. Both his solo recordings and collaborations mark the work of a great artist with a crossover fusion of sounds. He has worked with diverse artists such as Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mathews, Herbie Hancock, and Tito Puente. Now residing in Miami, Torres continues to contribute to the music that lights up his life. "Thank You, Willie" is his latest record – dedicated to Willie Payne.
More from In The Key Of Latin Jazz
Dr. Nora Lee García, a renowned performer and professor of flute at UCF, joined us in the studio to share her stories and strategies for teaching her students. Having toured several continents and taught countless musicians, Nora Lee is an unstoppable musical force. With her musical odyssey beginning in Puerto Rico, this Hispanic Heritage Month episode is an incredible celebration of Latin music and culture. We can't wait to see what the future holds for Nora Lee!
Ryan Keberle, a gifted trombonist and jazz director at Hunter College, joins host Jesse Morgado to give us insight into his musical upbringing, discovery of música popular brasileira, and how his love of performance drives his passion for playing. Ryan's newest album with Collectiv do Brasil, Choro Das Águas, is a tribute to beloved songwriter Ivan Lins, and an incredible display of the group's talent and enthusiasm. Named the #1 Trombonist by Jazz Times International Critics Poll, Ryan is one of the most imaginative musicians out there today.
Alí Bello is a renowned violinst from Venezuela who has been providing audiences with inspiring music for decades. With violin experience going back to his childhood, Alí continues to amaze listeners with the variety of styles he plays, having two albums (Inheritance and Connection Caracas) that were selected for "Top 50 Jazz CDs" by JazzTimes Magazine. Alí's newest album, Alí Bello & The Charanga Syndicate, is one of his most creative efforts yet.
WUCF's July artists for 'In the Key of Latin Jazz' are Rita Hargrave and Wayne Wallace. Dr. Rita Hargrave is a pioneering producer, filmmaker, and psychiatrist whose creative work uplifts underrepresented voices, especially black and Afro-Latinx women. Wayne Wallace is a five-time Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer whose imprint on the Latin jazz and salsa scenes—particularly in the Bay Area—is profound. Together, they've created 'Salsa de la Bahia Vol. 3: Renegade Queens', an album that honors the legacy—and the future—of women in salsa.
WUCF's June artist for 'In the Key of Latin Jazz' is Zaccai Curtis. This illustrious pianist is coming off of a Grammy win for his record "Cubop Lives!" His collaborative work spans generations - playing with his brother Luques and his mentor, Eddie Palmieri and many others. We get into what its like working with his brother, why they started their own record label together, and what's to come for Curtis' latest project - "Sonoluminescence." It's easy to see why this artist is one of the most anticipated jazz artists of today.