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Jazz Caliente: Meet the 2019 Grammy nominees!

Grammy nominee Elio Villafranca in the studio
Kasia Idzkowska
/
courtesy of the artist
Grammy nominee Elio Villafranca in the studio

The 61st Grammy Awards show is this Sunday at 5 p.m. We'll revisit some of the nominees for the "Best Latin Jazz Album" category this week on Saturday Jazz Caliente. Here's a Jazz Caliente video extravaganza to help introduce you to these outstanding artists:

Elio Villafranca "Cinque"  The Cuban pianist and composer turns his considerable talents to an ambitious project that showcases both the diversity of the Caribbean Islands, and the Congolese musical heritage that they share. 

Eddie Daniels "Heart of Brazil"  The preeminent jazz clarinetist interprets the music of the virtuosic Brazilian guitarist, pianist and composer Egberto Gismonti.   

Dafnis Prieto Big Band "Back to the Sunset"  The Cuban-born drummer, composer, educator and 2011 MacArthur "Genius" Fellow assembled a big band to perform and record original pieces dedicated to the musicians who inspired him and the mentors who assisted him. He calls it "a journey in time, looking back and remembering with gratitude and joy."  

Bobby Sanabria "West Side Story Reimagined"  Marking the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Broadway show and the 100th birthday of its composer, Latin jazz expert and Nuyorican culture-bearer Bobby Sanabria leads his Multiverse Big Band for a grand reworking of this classic musical. 

Miguel Zenon featuring Spektral Quartet  "Yo Soy La Tradición"  Innovative saxophonist Miguel Zenon joins the adventurous Spektral string quartet for his most recent project, with compositions drawn from the musical and cultural traditions of his native Puerto Rico.    

Plus, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, an all-time Jazz Caliente favorite, is nominated for a 2019 "Best Tropical Latin Album" Grammy for their latest, "Anniversary."   

The 61st Grammy Awards will be televised on Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Listen for most of these nominees on Saturday Jazz Caliente this week.

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.