Latin Jazz on Flute and Chromatic Harmonica

The flute is considered a major instrument in Latin Jazz, and has it’s roots in the Afro-Latin Orquestas Tipicas (now called Charangas)  from as early as 1900. I was first inspired by Ian Anderson (of Jethro Tull), who gave credit to jazz master Rahsaan Rolland Kirk,  and then onto Herbie Mann and Dave Valentin. But when I visited Cuba, my ears were really opened discovering the authentic latin flute stylings that have emerged through 100 years of nurturing.


The chromatic harmonica has played a part of Brazil’s Bossa Nova birth in the 50’s, through the amazing talent of Mauricio Einhorn. Of course anyone who has heard Toots Thieleman’s Brazil Project 1 & 2, knows that the chromatic and acoustic bossa rhythms are a heavenly match.  

Manhã de Carnaval (Black Orpheus)

Josué Tacoronte (Guitar – Cuba), Paul Pigat (Guitar – Vancouver BC), Michael Rush (Bass – Vancouver BC), and Marty Howe (Harmonica – Nanaimo BC)

“Manhã de Carnaval” (“Carnival Morning”) is a song by Brazilian composer Luiz Bonfá and lyricist Antônio Maria.


 

Una Manyana

Marty Howe – flute, Marty Steele – keys, and Smarty (James) McRae on drums.

 

Una Manyana (Morning) is a beautiful Latin Jazz standard (Afro-Cuban) written by Clare Fischer (1965).


Black Orpheus

Marty Howe, chromatic harmonica, with THE MARTYS playing a beautiful Bossa tune (and jazz standard) known as Black Orpheus (Luiz Bonfa). Also known as “Manhã de Carnival, and “A Day in the Life of a Fool”.

“Manhã de Carnaval”‘ became one of the first Bossa Nova compositions to gain popularity outside Brazil. It is one of the most important Brazilian Jazz/Bossa songs that established the Bossa Nova movement in the late 1950s.


O Meu Amor Chorou (Cry of Love)

Marty Howe Latin Jazz Quartet. Marty Howe – flute, Darcy Phillips – keys, Humberto Mandoza – congas, Anatol McGinus – bass.

I first heard this tune on “Brazil: Once Again”  an album by jazz flautist Herbie Mann recorded in 1977 . Herbie was a pioneer in jazz/Latin fusion on the flute. Original melody composed by Brazil’s Paulo Diniz.


Besame Mucho – Marty Howe Latin Jazz Quartet

Marty Howe – chromatic harmonica. Darcy Philips – Keys, Humberto Mandoza – congas, Anatol McGinus – Bass

Bésame Mucho (“Kiss me a lot”) is a Latin standard written in 1940 by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez. It is one of the most famous Boleros, sung and recorded Mexican song in the world.