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Jazz Caliente: Celebrating generations of trombone

Trombonist, singer and songwriter Natalie Cressman
FifthLegend from Eagan, Minnesota
/
Wiki Commons
Trombonist, singer and songwriter Natalie Cressman

This week on Jazz Caliente, we'll hear some great trombone playing from veteran bandleader Papo Vasquez, and also from relative newcomer Natalie Cressman.  Let's get to know some Latin jazz trombonists!

Angel "Papo" Vasquez grew up in North Philadelphia and Puerto Rico.  He was only 17 when he moved to New York to pursue a career in music.  He was a founding member of Jerry Gonzalez's Fort Apache Band and Puerto Rico's immensely popular Latin fusion band https://vimeo.com/138880978" target="_blank">Batcumbele.  Papo has racked up several Grammy nominations, received commissions for new compositions and  was honored with a  Latino Masters award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Natalie Cressmangrew up surrounded by musicians, and managed to find her unique sound as a trombonist, singer and songwriter.  The daughter of vocalist Sandy Cressman, who specializes in Brazilian music, and trombonist Jeff Cressman, who spent a couple of decades touring with Santana, Natalie carved her own diverse niche that includes, but is by no means limited to, Latin jazz. 

Listen for Papo Vasquez starting Jazz Caliente this week with the rousing "Fiesta Cika," and later in the show, be utterly charmed by Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini's "Lenga Lenga."

Jazz Caliente airs Saturdays at 5 p.m. The show is hosted by Robin Lloyd and produced by KNKX Public Radio.

Originally from Detroit, Robin Lloyd has been presenting jazz, blues and Latin jazz on public radio for nearly 40 years. She's a member of the Jazz Education Network and the Jazz Journalists Association.