The great Latin jazz pianists prove that jazz can "swing" while playing a straight eighth note feel. Latin jazz has been growing in popularity because it has a "happy, sunny" and exciting feeling. Latin jazz piano players come from throughout the world, but primarily from Latin America. They mix their own cultural and musical traditions with American jazz, creating a unique sound.

These are some of the greatest Latin jazz pianists.

Chucho Valdez, from Havana, Cuba, grew up in a very musical environment. His father was a pianist and the musical director of the world-famous Tropicana night club before the Revolution in 1959. Chucho was surrounded by music, with famous American jazz and pop stars part of his daily life. He began piano lessons at age 3, and theory lessons at age 5. He learned the classical repertoire, but was also seeing jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole in person, and up close.

Chucho immersed himself in Be bop at the age of 16, and began his recording career at 18. The revolution in 1959 closed the Tropicana, and Chucho's father left Cuba for Stockholm, never to return. Chucho stayed in Cuba, but was not allowed to play jazz publically for many years. Chucho became more interested in his native Cuban rhythms, developing the latin jazz piano sound.

At 13, Chucho started the group Irakere, which became a popular latin/funk/jazz combo that toured worldwide (except for the U.S.).

Chucho Valdez now performs as a solo act, with a trio and quartet. He is known as one of the most intense of the Latin jazz pianists, with incredible technique and a big happy sound.

Monty Alexander was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Monty began piano lessons at age 6, and like many other jazz greats, he first learned the classical repertoire.

In 1958 Monty started an R&B and Ska band called "Monty and the Cyclones," and scored a number of regional Jamaican and Carribean hits. In '61, Monty moved to Miami, playing jazz cocktail gigs. He soon made his way to Las Vegas, where Frank Sinatra heard him. Sinatra got Monty to go to New York, setting up a gig at Jilly's, a hot night spot and favorite of the "Rat Pack."

In the years since, Monty Alexander has made over 50 albums as a leader and has appeared on many more as a sideman. He has great technical facility and control, and can play straight-ahead jazz, or Latin jazz with equal finesse.

Michel Camilo hails from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He started accordian lessons at four, then also took up percussion. He was admitted to the National Conservatory at age 9, and became part of the National Symphony as a percussionist at age 16. Though he was offered a lifetime position with the symphony, at age 25 he left for New York to study piano at Julliard.

He soon had piano gigs, and also was musical director for the Broadway show Dancin'. He also began performing around New York with a trio including Anthony Jackson on bass and Dave Weckl on drums.

Manhattan Transfer recorded "Why Not?," a song he wrote for them, and which won Michel a Grammy. This led to a three year gig with Latin jazz band leader Paquito D'Rivera. In 1988 he released his self-titled first album, which showed off his lightning technique. Since the late '80's he has released many albums, most featuring his own compositions.

Michel Camilo's prowess at the keyboard is unsurpassed by other latin jazz pianists. Octaves at burning speeds, syncopated left-hand patterns, huge dynamic range, and montunos define his unique style. Camilo mixes straight ahead jazz, blues, funk and classical influences to make his own blend.

Eliane Elias, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, grew up with music all around her. Her mother was a classical pianist who also listen to American jazz. Eliane started taking piano lessons at age 7, learning both Mozart and Monk. By age 15 she was gigging regularly and also teaching.

Eliane toured Brazil at age 17, then went to Paris to expand her opportunities. There she met bassist Eddie Gomez, who convinced her to move to New York. She relocated with her mother, and was soon gigging in New York in a trio with Gomez and drummer Bob Moses. She later joined the band Steps Ahead which included Michael and Randy Brecker, whom she would later marry. She has also recorded numerous trio albums, some as straight ahead jazz, others with a Brazilian flavor. Some also feature her singing bossas and standards.

Eliane Elias has excellent technique, a creative approach to improvisation, and a light touch, which is unusual in this group of Latin jazz pianists.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba was born in 1963 in Havana, Cuba. His father was a leading saxophone player, and Gonzalo often accompanied Dad to his gigs. He received an intense conservatory education in the classics and he also studied percussion. He has found great inspiration from American jazz piano greats including Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Dizzy Gillespie heard Gonzalo play, and was so impressed that he befriended him.

His first U.S. record, a live recording from Montreaux, was released in 1990. Gonzalo made his North American debut in Toronto a year later. Like many of the Latin jazz pianists, Rubalcaba displays incredibly fiery technique, playing at blinding speeds, but can also play restrained with a "simmer." 

Photos:
Chucho Valdez: Daniel Shen - Creative Commons Lic.
Monty Alexander: Akin Falope - Creative Commons Lic.
Eliane Elias - artist website.
Creative Commons