Alt.Latino

Ever since I heard the Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri back in the Seventies, I’ve been fascinated by musicians from South America who found their way to jazz. Lately there seems to be a strong showing of contemporary musicians from various Latin American countries who not only play jazz but also mix certain Latin American folk traditions into their sound. So, this week I spoke with six of them: vocalist Claudia Acuña from Chile, Argentine vocalists Sofia Rei and Roxana Amed, Mexican vocalist Magos Herrera, guitarist/vocalist Camila Meza and tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana. Each has a story about identity, living the jazz dream and how they came to jazz. Hopefully you’ll use this roadmap to start your own journey into jazz, if you haven’t already. - Felix Music heard in this episode: Claudia Acuña - “Prelude To A Kiss” Sofia Rei - “El Gavilán” Gato Barieri - “To Be Continued” Roxana Amed - “Corazón delator” Mangos Herrera - “Luz de Luna” Camila Meza - “Utopia” Melissa Aldana - “A Purpose” Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Not to sound like a broken record, but I'll say it again: the variety of creative expression in what is inadequately labeled "Latin music" continues to astound me. From the bossa nova-by-way-of-Guatemala of Fabuloso and Los Skeepers, to the evolving torch singing of the Chilean-via-Mexico vocalist Mon Laferte, to the ‘Western noir’ of California singer Andrés Miguel Cervantes, to Nathy Peluso’s Argentine take on Seventies New York City salsa, to jazz from southern Spain’s Chano Domínguez... how do we even try to keep up with this kind of output? Someone has to do it, and we’re glad it’s us. Featured artists and songs: - Milo J, 'OLIMPO', 'Bajo De La Piel', 'Jangadero' - Fabuloso & Los Skeepers, 'Si Te Gusta' - Mon Laferte, 'Las Flores Que Dejaste En La Mesa', '1:30' - Chano Domínguez & Emaginario, 'March Of The Siguiriyas' - Nathy Peluso, 'ÁNGEL' - Andrés Miguel Cervantes, 'Dreams of Jacumba' This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The past month has been a whirlwind. The El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk... interviews with some of the most exciting artists in Latin music... and, of course, puppets! So, for today's episode, we emerge from the craziness and dig into our neglected mailbag, which is brimming with new music. What did we find? Simple beauty. A young songwriter from Veracruz whose spare compositions have wowed his elders. An offbeat producer from Madrid. And, a joyful ode to a city half a millennium old. Featured artists and songs: - Arath Herce, "Musas en Mi" and "Quien Pensaría" - iLe, "Si Te Contara" - TRISTAN!, "Voyage" and "Ártico" - Venezonix ft. Pahua, "La Soledad" - Meme de Real, "Estaba Sentado" and "Embeces" - Bomba Estereo ft. Carlos Vives, "La Samaria" This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

There's no question that Mexican vocalist and composer Silvana Estrada is special to Alt.Latino. Ever since she launched her 2022 album "Marchita" with a series of revelatory singles, she seemingly spoke directly to Alt.Latino co-host Anamaria Sayre. Since those earliest days, the two have been able to spend quite a bit of time together in interviews and other public gatherings, which only brought them closer on a personal level. Now, as Estrada releases her new album, "Vendrán Suaves Lluvias," and celebrates the publication of her Tiny Desk Concert, it seemed like a good time to sit in on the ever-flowing conversations between the two of them. The result is a conversation that is probably a lot more personal than you’re used to. And that’s OK. Because Silvana is a performer of complex emotions, and while you can experience those emotions through songs, sometimes you have to hear things for yourself. Enjoy. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Gloria Estefan is one of those musicians whose work and mere presence in the record industry deserves without question platitudes like ‘pioneering’ or ‘ground breaking.’ In fact, we have often mentioned her in that light throughout the 15 years of Alt.Latino. So it was a thrill to invite her to chat with us once again, this time immediately after a stunning Tiny Desk performance that will publish Oct. 13. She gives serious Favorite Tiá vibes, and since she and Felix are close in age, it felt like a conversation with a good friend with a fascinating life story - who just happens to have one of the richest song catalogs in Latin music history. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

It's that time of year again: NPR's Tiny Desk becomes El Tiny, featuring concerts from some of the most exciting and legendary Latin artists around. So, this week Felix and Ana run through this year's El Tiny lineup and listen to performances from Fito Paez, Carlos Vives, Chuwi and more. Plus, a conversation about the news that Bad Bunny will perform at next year's Super Bowl LX. This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

The way new music comes to Alt.Latino World Headquarters says a lot about our slight age difference. I still get CDs in the mail, with an occasional music file sent via email. Ana is constantly playing me audio files she gets vial email or texts from her new music sources, very rarely on CD. So while we were busy putting the finishing touches on our fist annual El Tiny takeover of the Tiny Desk Concert series, our mail piled up. Which means we had lots to choose from for this week's new music episode. There's bound to be something that catches your ear and makes you think: 'How did I live without that in my life?" Featured artists and songs: - Making Movies, “La Marea” ft. Mireya Ramos - Teo Planell, “El Mundo Delante de Ti”, “Como Pensarte Mal” - Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Esta Herida”, “I Want You To Be My Man” - Lorea, “Se me ve la cabeza”, “Mi alma sobre la mesa” - Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta and Joey Calveiro, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” - Martox, “Enganchao de Ti” This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Bad Bunny's months-long residency in Puerto Rico is coming to an end. The shows brought in hundreds of millions of dollars to the island, and sparked new debates about Puerto Rican identity and politics. For this week's episode, Ana and Felix traveled to San Juan to take in one of the final performances, and interview both locals and tourists about the musical and cultural impact of the summer of Bad Bunny. This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

This week's episode is a tribute to host Felix Contreras, who just received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Co-host Anamaria Sayre and the Alt.Latino team surprised Felix with guest appearances from Juanes, Daymé Arocena, Chucho Valdés, Dolores Huerta and more. This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Felix shares the music that's helped him recover from a serious illness. Anamaria shares some new exquisite (and, in one case, slightly toxic) love songs. Featured artists and songs: • Blood Orange, "I Can Go" (feat. Mabe Fratti & Mustafa) • Draco Rosa, "Quiero Vivir" • Caetano Veloso, "Voce E Linda" (Remixed Original Album) • Tim Bernardes, "BB (Garupa de Moto Amarela)" • Tim Bernardes, "Última Vez" • Santana, "Goodness and Mercy" • Xavi, "Ojitos de Miel" • Los Lobos, "Bertha" (Live at the Carefree Theatre, 1992) This podcast was produced by Noah Caldwell. The executive producer of NPR Music is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

This week, NPR Music reporter Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento is back on the mic, bringing host Anamaria Sayre new music in the vein of her 2010s Tumblr era. Think emo bangs, bright blue skinny jeans and a Warped Tour T-shirt. Sonically, this week’s picks run through bedroom pop, sultry balladry and Bronx-Dominican rap over post-punk basslines. Featured artists and songs: • Titanic (I. la Católica and Mabe Fratti), “Escarbo dimensiones" • Mon Laferte, “Esto Es Amor" • Planta Industrial, “Teteo in The Bronx” • Santi Muk and Zenon Pereyra, “seu carinho,” “CUÁNTO FALTA PARA CONOCERTE?” and “ANA BAILABA” • Maria Usbeck, “Mar” • LATIN MAFIA and Omar Apollo, “Hecho para ti” This episode was produced by Noah Caldwell and edited by Otis Hart. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

On Alt.Latino we often discuss the way that traditions are recognized and expanded upon. Usually it’s when we’re talking about new artists. But this week we are spending time honoring two legends: Tex Mex accordion player Flaco Jimenez and Latin jazz pianist/composer Eddie Palmieri each died within the last few weeks. They were foundational to their respective musical cultures, products of two distinct Latino cultural and musical traditions who also expanded the idea of tradition with their musical visions. Tune in this week to see how Felix connects the dots between these two seemingly dissimilar icons — and hear some new music that also blends tradition with modernity. Music heard in this episode: Orquestra Afro-Brasileira, “Saudação ao Rei Nagô” and “Obaluayê” Doctor Nativo, “Caminantes” feat. Roco Pachukote Bikôkô, “The Other” feat. Isaiah Hull and “La Mano” feat Crystal Murray day2k, “OBSSD” and “más q todoooooo” Flaco Jimenez, “Lucerito” Eddie Palmieri, “Una Rosa Española” Audio and production for this episode was done by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer for NPR Music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Felix Contreras is on vacation, so Anamaria Sayre invited her friend and colleague Isabella Gomez Sarmiento on to the show for an exchange of songs at the vanguard of Latin pop. Featured artists and songs: • Simon Grossmann, "Copa Del Mundo" • Xavi & Kapo, "Bien Pedos" • Ana Frango Elétrico, "A Sua Diversão" • Piek & Letón Pé, "Prendan Un Fokin Abanico" • Letón Pé, "Madrugá" • Martox, "Si Es Verdad" • Lena Dardelet & Martox, "A mí de ti" • stivijoes, "Solo" • stivijoes, "No he nacido rico" The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is Executive Producer of NPR Music. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Some might call it whiplash, the way we sometimes zip from one genre of Latin music to another in our New Music shows. But I like to think of it as an expression of the richness and vitality of all music made under what is known as Latin music. This week's selections reinforce the idea that trying to identify this music under one heading is impossible. Let's just call it Good Music. Featured artists and songs: • Harold Lopez-Nussa, “Niña Con Violin" • Sofia Kourtesis, "Canela Pura" and "Ballumbrosio" • Lucrecia Dalt, “caes” and “cosa rara” • goodtoknow (paula prieto, benjamin walker, sir hope), "Mareas," "October" and "I’ll stay" • Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet, “Panabe” • Natanael Cano, “Presidente” and “El Juez” • Gabito Ballesteros and Carin Leon, “Regalo de Dios” The audio for this episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the Executive Producer of NPR Music and the madrina of Alt.Latino. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Global superstar Bad Bunny is hosting an unprecedented 30 concert residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans are calling it a defining cultural moment for the island. Anamaria Sayre attended two recent shows and shared her reflections. Music featured in this episode: • Bad Bunny, "Callaita" • Bad Bunny, "Baile Inolvidable" • Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Los de la Isla" • Gilberto Santa Rosa,"La Agarro Bajando" • Bad Bunny, "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Before Ana heads off to see Bad Bunny's unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico, we chat a little about why the celebration is significant to the island and Latin music in general. We also dig deep into new releases that include four different approaches to the guitar and a musician from Peru who defies genre to create his own musical language. Music heard in this episode: • Hermanos Gutiérrez, "Elegantly Wasted (ft. Leon Bridges)" • Bebo Dumont, "Hoy" • Eljuri, "Karma" • Yamil Quiere Ser Artista & Oliver Berg, "Bandido," "Gatito Miau Miau Miau" • Yasser Tejeda, "Una Cascada de Miel" • Yerai Cortés, "Sonar por Bulerías," • Judeline & Yerai Cortés, "Un puente por la Bahía, la Cruz del Campo" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

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This week Ana and I share some of our long time favorites. While Ana leans into music discovery, I tend to bring more of the classics. In fact, I build playlists on a streaming service to mix music much like I did back in the era of the cassette tape. There is wide swath of music presented in the show this week. —Felix Contreras • Maestro Espada, "La despedida," "Tres gotas de rocío," and Peretas del Tío Vicente" • Lido Pimienta, "Ahora" • X Alfonso, Eme Alfonso & Síntesis "Rezo a Changó" • Simon Diaz, "Tonada De Luna Llena" • Raúl Rodríguez, Chano Domínguez & Martirio, "En Esta Tarde Gris" • Rita Payés & Silvia Pérez Cruz, "El Panadero" • Maria José Llergo, "Aprendiendo a Volar" • Amaia Miranda, "Canción para Amama" • Ataquemos, "Vilo" • incluso si nunca despiertas, "la lluvia no mata las flores" • Malo, "Suavecito" • Tommy James & The Shondells, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" • Hugh Masekela, "Grazing In The Grass" • War, "All Day Music" • El Chicano, "Viva Tirado" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Ana and Felix break down Bad Bunny's latest political video. Hear their failed attempt at a blindfold listening game. Artists and songs featured in this episode: • Cheo, "Amor A Primera Vista" • babas tutsipop, "antonio banderas" and "cursi" • Pedazo De Carne Con Ojo, "Sirens" and "Tiralo" • Ryuichi Sakamoto "DOLPHINS" • Frank Zappa "While You Were Art II" • Pink Pablo, "ALL I DREAM," "OJOS AZUL" and "HORSES IN HEAVEN" • Wampi, "La Última" ft. Leoni Torres • Wampi, "La Diferencia" ft. Orlenis 22K, Ernesto Loso • Silvana Estrada, "Lila Alelí" Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

Our selections this week feature a crate diggers' delight from Colombia and the sound of modern rap in Mexico. Featured artists and songs: • Óscar Agudelo y El Combo Moderna, "Está Como Mango" • Isabella Lovestory, "Fresa Metal," "Eurotrash," "Tu Te Vas" • Grecia Albán, "YO POR TI" • Vicente García, "Mambo Violento," "El Huracán," "Abusadora" • BALTHVS, "Flesh and Soul" • Gera MX, "Ciclo Vital," "1 Millón" Credits Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Noah Caldwell. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy