While jazz might not be the first music genre you think about when you think of Puerto Rico, Boricuas have been instrumental within the jazz and Latin jazz scene since 1898. Taking influences from American Jazz as well as African and Caribbean music, it not only created a unique subgenre but also influenced jazz as a whole. Discover how Puerto Rican musicians have shaped the genre with their unique style and contributed to its legacy.

A person playing the Saxophone in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The saxophone, a popular instrument for jazz musicians across the World, is also prevalent in Latin jazz.

What is Latin Jazz?

Latin jazz is a musical genre that fuses the rhythms and harmonies of Caribbean music with the improvisational and harmonic elements of American jazz. While there isn’t a particular set of beats and rhythm that qualify something as Latin jazz, it more broadly encompasses jazz songs that incorporate a base rhythm from Latin music like salsa, cha-cha-cha, and others.

Latin jazz also includes a greater emphasis on percussion instruments, as well as a bigger variety of them, showcasing the influence of African culture and music. Some artists went on to incorporate Afro-beats and Cuban music to form Afro-Cuban Jazz, where many Boricua artists made important contributions. 

Trombone player performing live on stage.

Enjoy enthralling live performances of Latin Jazz in Puerto Rico.

The History of Latin Jazz in Puerto Rico

The roots of Latin jazz in Puerto Rico can be traced back to the early 20th century. By 1917, when the first jazz recording was made, Puerto Rican musician and composer Rafael Hernández was already part of the US Army Orchestra led by Lt. James Reese Europe—who also introduced jazz to France and the rest of Europe. Along with the migration of the Boricua diaspora to New Orleans and New York through the 1920s and 1930s, key figures like Juan and Manuel Tizol, as well as Hernández and Rogelio Ramírez, made their mark on jazz. 

Many of these Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Latin American musicians who moved to New York City began merging the upbeat rhythms and structures of Caribbean and Latin American music with the classic sounds of jazz and blues, ultimately creating what we now know as Latin jazz.

While there was no shortage of Puerto Rican musicians in jazz, most of them were based in the U.S.—the boom on the Island was, however, just around the corner. While plena, danzas, and Latin American music were the most popular on the Island, ragtime and other American influences were already starting to spread. Jazz would also arrive on the Island and quickly catch on, leading to very early jazz groups like the Yauco Jazz Band (originating from the southwest town of Yauco).

A group of musicians playing various wind and percussion instruments.

Musician always liven up the party in Puerto Rico!

Puerto Rico’s Latin jazz scene really took off in the 1960s with the creation of the San Juan Jazz Workshop by saxophonist Charlie Rodrígues and trumpeter Dale Wales. This institution produced live jazz events and brought musicians from Puerto Rico together. 

This was followed in the 1970s by Ana Vélez’s El Taller de Jazz Don Pedro, helmed by her son Ramón Soto. This led to a growth in popularity spearheaded by salsa greats like Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, brothers Jerry and Andy González, Papo Vázquez, and Giovanni Hidalgo. The first clubs soon followed, and the rest is history—the Island’s jazz scene continued to grow through the 1980s and into the 21st century.

A group of musicians playing the trumpet and güiro, a traditional Puerto Rican instrument.

The güiro, an instrument of Taíno descent, is present in many musical genres across the Island.

The Instruments of Latin Jazz

Latin jazz features traditional instruments like drums, bass, pianos, saxophones, trumpets, and electric guitars, enhanced with the vibrant flair of Caribbean instruments like:

  • Congas
  • Bongos
  • Timbales
  • Güiros
Closeup of a conga, a traditional instrument used often in Puerto Rican music.

Congas are a traditional percussion instrument used in many genres of music, from bomba to latin jazz, and beyond.

Famous Puerto Rican Latin Jazz Artists

Puerto Rico’s Latin jazz musicians come from two backgrounds—those who transitioned from another genre, mostly salsa, or those who made their careers as Latin jazz musicians. Some salsa greats that made the change are:

  • Tito Puente
  • Ray Barreto
  • Eddie and Charlie Palmieri

As far as Puerto Rican artists that started in Latin jazz, some notable names include: 

  • Rafael Hernández
  • Manuel Tizol and his nephew, Juan Tizol
  • Duke Ellington
  • Rogelio “Ram” Ramirez
  • Miguel Zenón
  • David Sánchez
  • John Benítez
  • Jerry González
A couple walking at the Ventana al Mar, a popular park in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Ventana al Mar park in Condado is the location of many events, including the beloved Ventana al Jazz.

Where Can You Enjoy Latin Jazz in Puerto Rico?

Indulge in the energetic vibes and unique musical compositions that only Latin jazz can provide! If you’re looking for places to enjoy this genre, Puerto Rico has various options for you:

  • Puerto Rico Jazz Fest: This annual festival is a mainstay of the Island’s Latin jazz scene. Held in different venues, this event brings together some of Puerto Rico’s best musicians and honors Puerto Rican artists.
  • Heineken Ventana al Jazz: This monthly event takes place in the luxurious Condado neighborhood every last Sunday of the month. It’s free to attend—be sure to bring chairs and snacks!
  • Jazz Clubs: Puerto Rico has a variety of music-focused bars, restaurants, and clubs, some focusing on Latin jazz, like C-NOTE Jazz Club in Luquillo and Carli's Fine Bistro & Piano in Old San Juan.

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