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Bobby Sanabria

West Side Story: How two jazz artists continue to reinvent the Bernstein classic

Leonard Bernstein at rehearsal for West Side Story. Carol Lawrence (who played Maria) is at his left, and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is playing the piano, 1957. Library of Congress, Music Division hide caption

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Library of Congress, Music Division

Jazz Night In America: The Radio Program

West Side Story: How two jazz artists continue to reinvent the Bernstein classic

WBGO and Jazz at Lincoln Center

Leonard Bernstein composed West Side Story more than 60 years ago — today, we examine that vibrant work through the lens of two jazz artists, drummer Bobby Sanabria and saxophonist Ted Nash.

West Side Story: How two jazz artists continue to reinvent the Bernstein classic

The Best Latin Music Of 2018

Vocalist Rosalia earned the Alt.Latino critics' top spot in 2018. Courtesy of the Artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the Artist

Alt.Latino

The Best Latin Music Of 2018

It's been another watershed year for Latin music. Alt.Latino's Felix Contreras, Stefanie Fernández, Catalina María Johnson and Marisa Arbona-Ruiz round up the year's best.

The Best Latin Music Of 2018

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What's With All The Jazz Tribute Albums?
Michael Jackson/Courtesy of the artist

A Blog Supreme

What's With All The Jazz Tribute Albums?

More than so many other kinds of music, jazz takes its tradition seriously. So it makes sense that so jazz musicians feel such visceral connections to their ancestors — and honor them in song. Hear cuts from four new albums.

What's With All The Jazz Tribute Albums?

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Music Interviews

Bobby Sanabria: Latin Jazz's West African Roots

Latin music would not exist without bongos, congas or timbales — all percussion instruments, all with roots in Africa. Likewise, there wouldn't be Latin music without other African influences, such as syncopation. Latin percussionist, composer and bandleader Bobby Sanabria gives a primer on the close roots that Latin and jazz music share with the sound and soul of West Africa.

Bobby Sanabria: Latin Jazz's West African Roots

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Music Interviews

Bobby Sanabria's Latin Jazz Hybrid

Percussionist Bobby Sanabria grew up in the musical melting pot of the South Bronx in New York City. Now, as the leader of a big band, it's no wonder that his brand of Latin jazz mirrors a panoply of Afro-Western styles from all over the Americas.

Bobby Sanabria's Latin Jazz Hybrid

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