How to Play Latin Jazz

The fusion of the Latin culture and jazz was a musical match made in heaven. Jazz has a rich cultural background steeped in creativity and vibrancy, and Latin culture is colorful, seductive and mystical. The union of these two influences has created a musical genre enjoyed by many. Follow some steps to play Latin jazz and take an active creative role in creating this wonderfully compelling music.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin by learning some history behind Latin jazz. Know that the best way to begin any creative venture is to see how others before you have done it and to learn the history of the genre.

2. Become well versed in whatever instrument you will be playing Latin jazz with. Take private instruction or some other means to help you learn basic music theory and technique before moving on to jazz technique.

3. Learn the basic music theory behind jazz, such as the Pentatonic scale, blues scales, harmonics and jazz progressions. Listen to some examples of Latin jazz music to help you hear how the style is played. Just listen first without attempting to play around.

4. Note that Latin jazz rarely employs swing rhythm but rather a straight rhythm that seems to penetrate through the whole musical sound. Compare this rhythm with traditional Western jazz sounds that utilize a swing beat to and break momentum.

5. Practice with an ensemble or group and learn each others tendencies when playing. Set up a performance to play even if it's just for friends and family and let others enjoy your newly found Latin jazz talents.

Tips & Warnings

• The Bossa Nova, Mambo and Salsa are all forms of Latin jazz.
• Latin jazz instrumentation usually does not include traditional percussion, but rather the clave, conga, timbale and güiro.

Resources

• Learn a bit about the history of Latin jazz.
• Here's a website with some Latin jazz radio shows.