Picture this: a steamy night in Miami, the air thick with percussion smoke and brass sparks. That's the vibe Chick Corea captures on Jam Miami - A Celebration of Latin Jazz, a live album that pulls you straight into the golden era of Latin fusion. Corea, fresh off reconnecting with his Willie Bobo and Cal Tjader days, trades his edge-pushing piano for the warm glow of a Fender Rhodes, evoking Latin jazz legend Clare Fischer.
This isn't just any jam—it's a supergroup showdown. Arturo Sandoval rips through Mongo Santamaria's 'Beseme Mama,' trading licks with Claudio Roditi that'll make your speakers hum. Dizzy Gillespie standards 'Soul Sauce' and 'A Night in Tunisia' kick things off with pots boiling: Corea's keys dancing over Poncho Sanchez's congas and David Samuels' vibes. Then there's the Tito Puente tribute, featuring Dave Valentin on flute, Ray Vega on trumpet, and timbalero Giovanni Hidalgo stepping up as the new king.
The setlist sparkles with surprises—the cheeky I Love Lucy theme gets a jazzy twist, Corea's own 'Wigwam' shines with his Origin bandmates, and every track stretches out for those long, solo-rich explorations. You hear the crowd's energy, the musicians feeding off each other, creating moments that feel spontaneous and alive. It's like being front row at a club where the gods of Latin jazz decided to party.
In a world of polished streams, Jam Miami delivers raw, sweaty authenticity. The Rhodes gives it that vintage warmth, perfect for unwinding after work or heating up a dinner gathering. Crank it during a road trip through the Everglades, and suddenly traffic feels like a conga line. Jazz fans will geek out over the nods to fusion history; casual listeners get hooked on the infectious grooves that demand movement.
Whether you're chasing nostalgia for Corea's Return to Forever days or discovering Latin jazz's fire for the first time, this album plants itself in your playlist. The percussion riffs smolder long after the last note, reminding you why live music rules. Pop it in, dim the lights, and let Miami's magic transport you.
