WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Jose Elias – the co-founder of Cortadito, guitarist and tres player. The group focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music. Named the best Latin act by the Miami New Times in 2019 – they continue to blend the past and the present in new and exciting ways. You can hear t…

WUCF’s April artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Tomás Martín López. Percussionist from Brooklyn who has worked with Louie Ramirez, Ray de la Paz, Billy Cobham and Oscar Hernandez. They say ‘the best things come in threes’ and that is the case with “Right Here” - Lopez’s latest record. Whether he’s traveling globally to spread his love for the…

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Renee Rosnes. Pianist and composer from Canada who has had an astonishing four decade career. With a resume that includes Wayne Shorter band, Ron Carter Foursight Quartet, Blue Note Records’ Out of the Blue and Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra...she’s a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to hear…

WUCF’s February artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Joyce Moreno. Described by Jobim as “one of the best singers of all time” - this Brazilian singer songwriter and guitarist is a famous trailblazer. During a time of fear, control and possession – she proudly spoke her truth. Feminina catapulted her media exposure and is loved by so many. Outs…

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Dred Scott - a multi-instrumentalist who has cut his teeth on both coasts. Referred to as the ‘maestro of mayhem’, his restless and frenetic energy is intertwined with his passion. He’s collaborated with Liza Minnelli, composed for the film “Home” - featuring Woody Allen, Rosie Perez, Liam Nee…

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Miguel Zenón. He is a prolific saxophonist and composer who took home the Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album this year and is a recipient of the Guggenheim and McArthur fellowships. Hailing from Puerto Rico, he now resides in New York City. He is a founding member of the San Francisco Jazz Coll…

WUCF’s November artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Kemuel Roig. Born in Cuba and now a resident of Miami - he has earned high praise as a first call pianist. He toured with Arturo Sandoval for eight years, Chucho Valdes calls him "Superman" and his debut record as a leader "Genesis" is a personal reflection of his relocation. It features Rand…

WUCF’s October artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Eliane Elias and Alex Diaz. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (through October 15) we’ve put together a special episode. With records like “The Three Americas”, “Bossa Nova Stories” and “Mirror Mirror” - Eliane has always celebrated not only the sounds of her country but others that make u…

WUCF’s September artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Karrin Allyson. A child of the American Heartland, she’s lived in New York for the past three decades and considers herself a global citizen. In her newest record, she comes back to her love for Brazilian music and brings on the great Rosa Passos. What was meant to be a couple recordings tur…

WUCF’s August artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Oscar Hernández. As leader of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra the past 22 years – his contributions to Latin Jazz stretch far and wide. On top of this incredible feat, he is a four-time Grammy winner, worked with people like Celia Cruz, Willie Colón and Paul Simon and is responsible for the piano …

WUCF’s July artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Fernando Huergo. This Argentinian bassist has worked with everyone from Horacio Hernandez and David Liebman to Paquito D’Rivera and Richie Flores. His new album was inspired by a phrase he read in The New Yorker and captures the feeling he feels as he sees the news and all the absurd and grotesqu…

WUCF’s June artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Ruben Caban. Born in Puerto Rico but now in Florida, this trombonist has toured as a sidemen or soloist with a wide variety of artists...effortlessly moving within genres. His role as an educator spans multiple universities and colleges. His latest record “Kangana” enlists the help of notable pla…

WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Claudia Villela. This Brasilian singer has a deep connection to her roots as well as nature. In her latest record “Letters to the Wind”, she returns back to the homeland to record with a dynamite group of musicians. Channeling memories, she improvises with mastery and produced a collection that sp…

Our April feature guest is Sonido Solar. With Eddie Palmieri in their corner, this nine-piece band has made headway with their originality while also paying homage to their predecessors. We sit down with two leaders – Louis Fouché and Luques Curtis – and find out their back stories, the process of their debut record and what Eddie is like when you …

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Donald Vega. Classically trained in his native Nicaragua, Vega makes the journey to America and goes on to attend Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard and University of Southern California. He’s studied with Billy Higgins, Al McKibbon, Kenny Barron and currently plays with Ron Carter’s Golden St…

WUCF’s February artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Carlos Henriquez. This Bronx born bassist has graced over 25 albums of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra where he also serves as Artistic Director. As a leader he has garnered a Grammy nomination and his latest album - “A Nuyorican Tale” tells the tales of Puerto Rican and Nuyorican herita…

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Both his father and grandfather are very important to the development of the Latin Jazz we know today. His career has had him alongside Ron Carter, Charlie Haden, Chick Corea and more. As a leader, he’s given us over 30 albums– continuously delivering and offering something …

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Hilario Durán. This Cuban jazz pianist played with the Orquesta Cubana de Musicana Moderna, Arturo Sandoval, United Nations Orchestra, Jane Bunnett and more. His latest album brings back the big band sound! We discuss players like Chucho Valdez, Charles Mingus and Dizzy Gillespie who have inf…

WUCF’s November artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Alfredo Rodriguez. Born in Cuba, he eventually left the familiar to take a chance on his career – with the aid of Quincy Jones – and look at him now! His latest album - ‘Coral Way’ - is a testament to his new life in which he celebrates the collaboration and connection between mainstream Lati…

WUCF’s October artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Sammy Figueroa. One of the world’s greatest congueros! His work with everyone from Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis to Whitney Houston and the Bee Gees will forever be highly regarded. It was in Florida where he established his solo career leading ‘His Latin Jazz Explosion’ band. His latest proje…

WUCF’s September artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Edward Simon and Magos Herrera. Living on opposite sides of the country, they found a way to come together for a striking homage to female Latin American songwriters. “Femininas” is given a jazz treatment while still carrying the foundation of their respective beginnings.…

WUCF’s August artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Ella and the Bossa Beat. An international father/daughter duo who brings a modern take on Brazilian, soulful Jazz and Pop music. Having spent a lot of time in Magrus’ home country of Brazil, they now reside in Florida where you can see them perform all over. Their latest record “In the Moment” …

WUCF’s July artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Bobby Sanabria. This eight time Grammy nominated multi talented artist has reached high acclaim repeatedly with his art and his fight. He fought to reinstate the Latin Jazz category at the Grammys after it was absent at the 2012 awards - and succeeded. He’s worked with Mario Bauza, Mongo Santamar…

WUCF’s June artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Lauren Henderson. Based in New York and Miami, she is a 36 year old vocalist with Caribbean and Panamanian roots who created her own record label at the start of her career. A station favorite, she gives us the inside scoop on life in New England, magic and mysticism. Recently she was recognized …

WUCF’s May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Rachel Therrien. She is a JUNO nominated trumpet and flugelhorn player. A fixture in both the NYC and Montreal scenes, she has continued to hold her own and delight with her personal signature. Her newest record - ‘Mi Hogar’ - features over twenty musicians that came together for her sixth record …

WUCF’s April artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz' is Justo Almario. Immersing himself in music at a young age - he dabbled in drums, piccolo and short clarinet before settling on sax and flute. After graduating from Berklee, Mongo Santamaria asked him to join his band. He has performed with Roy Ayers, Fela Kuti, The Commodores, Tito Puente, Linda …

WUCF’s March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Elio Villafranca. Hailing from San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba – Elio was drawn to jazz and found a way to record every radio program he could. Coming from a country where it was illegal at the time, jazz opened up a whole new world for him. From leading his own bands, to working with Chick Corea-…

WUCF’s February artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Dafnis Prieto and Luciana Souza. Cuban American drummer and composer Dafnis had a vision for his next album and it involved going somewhere he hadn’t ventured before...lyrics. Enter Luciana – who grew up in a Bossa Nova family and is well versed in transcending boundaries of musical styles.…

WUCF’s January artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’is Alex Acuña. Named the best Latin percussionist five years in a rowfrom Modern Drummer Readers Poll, Acuña has had quite theillustrious career. Born into a musical family, his drive to immersehimself into different cultures led him to become a versatile andgracious player. From Elvis and Ella Fi…

WUCF’s December artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Arturo Sandoval. Born in Cuba, where he was forbidden to play or listen to jazz, Arturo relished any moment he could get to be around music. Forming the band Irakere, he then went on to become a ten-time Grammy winner, form a closebond with the late Dizzy Gillespie and play with the best as h…

WUCF’s November artists for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ are Roberto Menescal and Daniela Soledade. Two of Brazil’s national treasures who are instrumental to the Bossa Nova movement. Two different generations come together to collaborate on Daniela’s new record “Pretty World.” We dive into what they admire most about each other and the evolution of …

WUCF’s October artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Xiomara Torres. Hailing from the rhythmic lands of Colombia near the Pacific Coast – she drew inspiration at an early age from her surroundings. Not to mention her huge musical family and their folkoric style! Her most recent album pays homage to her mentor Digeo Obregón – best known as a mari…

WUCF’s September artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Jane Bunnett. Finding jazz was a love story all on its own and from there her exposure to Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin styles really turned a corner. Not seeing many women on the stages, she formed her own group called ‘Maqueque’ – completely transforming the possibilities for future generat…

WUCF’s August artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Nate Najar. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, he found interest in blues, rock and then jazz. Citing Charlie Byrd and Wes Montgomery as huge influences – he went on to study under the great Frank Mullen. He really honed his classical guitar playing during this time and found such a ze…

WUCF’s July artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Juan Carlos Quintero. Born in Colombia, his music is heavily influenced by the rhythms of his home country. He picked the guitar because it was “cool” and it ended up being the entry to social life. In LA he set out to get a record deal – and by taking bold action because of not knowing – he was …

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…

WUCF’S May artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Diego Rivera. Raised in East Lansing, Michigan, and involved in the Detroit music scene – his Chicano heritage has heavily influenced his music. A trip to the Detroit Institute of Music inspired him to pick up the saxophone, and the challenge to play what he heard pushed him to keep going. Saying …

WUCF’s April artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Sergio Pereira. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the heart of the Bossa Nova movement ultimately contributed to the artist he is today. Moving to New York City in the 80s, he dove into the world of jazz studying under Sal Salvador, ChuckWayne, Joe Carter, and more. Playing with the United Natio…

WUCF’S March artist for ‘In the Key of Latin Jazz’ is Afro-Cuban jazz pianist Dayramir Gonzalez. Everywhere around him, music was there in the streets of Cuba. With the sounds of the African Yoruba tribe as well as the legacy of people like Chucho Valdes and Chano Pozo–he balanced developing his internal ear with his sacred craft. He’s gone on to l…

Heat things up with In the Key of Latin Jazz. Each month, hear from a guest who lives and breathes the heart of this music. Coming March 1, 2022.By WUCF FM

Its 132 in the morning and im lit so I decided to talk sports in my cars lol enjoy