Virtual Crate Digging: Latin Jazz
Folks are always asking about what’s new and upcoming but, as shown by the vital and venerable culture of crate digging, looking backwards can also yield unexpected results and reveal hidden gems. And boy oh boy do we have some hidden gems. Let’s dig through our virtual bins of vinyl and see what we find.
Archival Feel, Vibrant Spirit
There are very few people that will turn their noses up at a quality jazz performance. Whether it be a trio playing in the back corner of your favorite cocktail bar or a legendary act laying it down at a music festival, it’s hard to deny that artistry and musicianship. It just makes you feel good. And of course, there are numerous sub-genres and styles of jazz, each with its own unique personality.
Digging through our catalog, we wanted to focus on one such style with instantly identifiable flair and infectious rhythms, a sub-genre of jazz that brings an undeniable energy that makes any environment feel alive.
Latin Jazz (ACPM-007) not only delivers that energy with live performances in the studio but sits the listener smack dab in the middle of the dimly lit booth of a smoky mid-century club overlooking the hoppin’ dancefloor.
As with all of our Analog Champion releases, we utilize vintage and retro techniques to authentically capture the musicianship from a variety of small ensembles including organ quartets and piano trios with added strings. This release in particular carries an archival feeling that has all the grit and charm you’d expect from digging in your grandparent’s collection of vinyl records.
While there is a bit of a grab bag of Latin styles included on the album, a majority highlight the flavors of Cuba and southern Florida. “Cipres” features soulful trumpet over an earnest guitar and lively percussion. Though it largely carries a romantic and reflective vibe, there are hints of playfulness that sneak in after the initial theme. Taking on a more vibrant spirit, “Dive Organ” has possibly one of the best album descriptions in our catalog. There’s no better way to talk about this track than this: “Sweaty, undulating fingers coax raw sex out of a 1952 Hammond organ, while the drummer and percussionist close their eyes and groove on.”
Take a minute and let that one sink in.
From films and TV shows set in the 1950s & 1960s to dive bar jukeboxes to travel shows exploring the towns of Latin America, the strength and versatility of Latin Jazz comes from its undeniable authenticity and archival nature. In the wrong hands, this type of jazz can turn into elevator music. But when one takes the time, care, and attention to detail that comes standard with our Analog Champion label, it becomes something more that can truly set a scene.
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