2004 Jazz Symposium—Long Beach

Latin Beat Magazine, June-July, 2004

The second part of the 2004 Latin Jazz Symposium was held on April 19 & 20, 2004 at the University of California Long Beach (CSULB). The event opened with a multi-media art exhibit on April 19, followed by the conference segment of the event that same afternoon. Panelists included University of California, Irvine professor and curator of the Smithsonian traveling Latin Jazz exhibit "La Combinación Perfecto" Raúl Fernández, University of Northridge music professor/bandleader Danilo Lozano, actor/poet/writer Ismael Carlo, Grammy winner/handleader Poncho Sánchez, Grammy nominee/bandleader/educator John Santos, radio DJ/bandleader/educator José Rizo, writer/music analyst/promoter Nelson Rodríguez, bandleader Bobby Mates and Latin Beat Magazine publisher/editor Rudy Mangual.

What was brought into focus during this conference was that of social, political righteousness concerning recent cuts in music and art programs in educational institutions throughout the nation. The following day, April 20, a concert/jam session concluded the event at the University Theatre featuring the high-octane Latin jazz of Oscar Cartaya and his band, the captivating and amazing duo of Bobby Mates and Rogelio Mitchell, plus riveting guest musicians Ivan Renta, John Santos, Johnny Polanco, Artie Webb, Bob Desena and Robert Incelli.

Nelson Rodriguez: "Our music was 'king' in the '50s (mambo, chachachá, etc.) and with proper promotion some of our greatest recordings will not become undiscovered gems."

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Ismael Carlo: "Instead of Latin jazz, let's call it jazz latino."

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Danilo Lozano: "The future and role of Latin music instruments in music education"

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John Santos: "Latin Jazz is the embodiment and evolution of an incredible oral tradition of gorgeous poetry, melodies, and rhythms of spiritual and secular origin that unites all African-based cultural traditions of the Americas."

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Raúl Fernandez: "Latin jazz has a great future, we've only seen the beginning ..."

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José Rizo: "You do not have to be Latino to play and enjoy Latin jazz, many great musicians incorporate Latin jazz forms in their music effectively on a daily basis."

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Poncho Sánchez: "I have spent years of my life taking Latin jazz to festivals in all corners of the world; it is not limited to certain cities and countries, it is universally accepted."

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Bobby Matos: "Latin Jazz deserves to be on the airwaves 24/7, programmed by commercial radio worldwide in both jazz and popular music programs; there is no reason why this is not already happening."

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