Jazz Caliente observes Mother's Day this Saturday with a focus on women instrumentalists, bandleaders and a couple of all-women bands. Here's a sample.
German-born pianist Monika Herzigis at the forefront of promoting women in jazz. She's also a respected educator at Indiana University at Bloomington. Her project "Sheroes" is an all-women ensemble that primarily plays original compositions by Monika and other members.
"Sheroes" is featured in the documentary film "In Her Hands-Key Changes in Jazz"by Seattle filmmaker Kay D. Ray.
While not a Latin jazz band per se, they do play with some Latin musical sensibility, and for good reason: many of the members also are part of Cuban percussionist Mayra Casales' band "Cocomama."
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque are Jazz Caliente favorites, and this all-female Cuban/Canadian collective has been touring almost nonstop since March. These women have a special energy together when they perform, and you can feel it in this very recent concert video from the jazzahead! festival in Bremen, Germany.
Also on the show this Saturday: violinist Regina Carter, Brazilian pianist Abelita Mateus, flutists Amelia Romano and Andrea Brachfeld, Northwest favorites Clave Gringa and Entremundos Quarteto, and more. Join me for this celebration of women in Latin jazz for Mother's Day!
Jazz Caliente airs Saturdays at 5 p.m. The show is hosted by Robin Lloyd and produced by KNKX Public Radio.
