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- his contributions to modern jazz are impactful. Life has given him many crossroads, which he channels in his newest record featuring Cecile McLorin Salvant and more.

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. Together they brought us “Cantar” - a record complete with three languages that brings cheerfulness, intimacy and imagination.

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 Fitzgerald to more contemporaryartists like Christina Aguilera and U2–he has shown he’s here to stay.

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 he polished his virtuoso abilities on trumpet, flugelhorn and the piano.

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 Latin jazz – and beyond.

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 marimba player and maker. We discuss the intentions behind the recording, some of the tracks’ meanings and more.  

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 generations. Working on their fourth record together – her roots are planted and her passion is ever growing. 

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 zest for his approach. Most recently, his record “Jazz Samba Pra Siempre” pays homage to the Byrd and Getz album 60 years ago.

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 able to find success after just a year and a half. While at Berklee, Tommy Tedesco sat in on one of Quintero’s guitar lessons and from there took him under his wing. From studying with George Russell to playing with Poncho Sanchez and Gato Barbieri to then making his own records – Quintero has built a career that spans decades.

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.