A few of the 2021 Latin Grammy nominees that slipped by us (until now)

By Robin Lloyd

Published October 1, 2021 at 5:00 AM PDT

The Latin Grammys have grown so much in scope that it's become difficult to keep track of all the new releases under the many different categories. Here are a captivating few that might land on a Jazz Caliente playlist in the near future.

Jazz Caliente's top pick for the Latin Grammys Best Latin Jazz Album is the brilliant Antonio Adolfo's tribute to beloved Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento, "Bruma."

But there's so much more!

Puerto Rican saxophonist Miguel Zenon's duet album with Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo, "El Arte del Bolero" (The Art of the Ballad) is sheer beauty.

Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda released his latest, "Family," this year, and yes, his wife and kids joined him in the studio for this wonderfully affirmative recording.

Argentinian vocalist Roxana Amed's "Ontology" is beautifully recorded with an intimacy that focuses on her warm, engaging voice, which is compelling with or without lyrics.

I'm completely enchanted by this contender in the Best Instrumental Album category: "Canto da Praya-Au Vivo," a concert recording of bandolim master Hamilton de Holanda and accordionist Mestrinho.

And finally, nominated for Album of the Year is Rubén Blades with Roberto Delgado's Orchestra for "SalSwing," an odd combination of salsa and Rat Pack-era big-band swing. The best cut is this version of "Tambó," Rubén's composition from the 1970s. The big band treatment settles in nicely with the salsa here.

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