First Contact: Latin Jazz
A matter of public record for discussion and debate, this is the first of two letters written to the IAJE Excutive Board on December 29th, 2003 by musician and Publisher of LatinJazzClub Magazine Bobby Ramirez.

Dear IAJE executive board member:

Something that concerns me a great deal is the role of Latin music in Jazz education. In that regard, I've searched your resource team and unfortunately did not find an adequate category for Latin music as it relates to Jazz.

You have "Brazilian Music" and Afro-Cuban Music." Limiting Latin music to these small categories definitely curtails the influence and participation of Latin music as it exist today from not just "Cuba" and "Brazil", but other perhaps less notable but yet equally important countries as they exist as part of the whole entire Latin America Diaspora. In terms of Jazz music as our national American treasure, these categories promote division instead of inclusiveness; thus giving the impression that the IAJE is more interested in the music of Cuba and Brazil. At this time in the history of our music, Jazz music should not be used to promote any one specific Latin American country.

As it relates to Jazz, I'd like to suggest that you eliminate these categories and insert the most current umbrella term that is widely used to describe the relationship of Latin music and Jazz: "Latin Jazz."

This has nothing to do with the individuals currently spearheading these categories. These gentlemen are well respected by me and the Jazz community at-large. As a Jazz musician, I see Jazz as being equally inclusive of any and all Latin American influences. If the IAJE is interested in spreading the gospel of Jazz education throughout the entire Latin American Diaspora, it would be wise to give forth a non-exclusive unbiased impression. As the Latin population grows to hugh levels in the United States, the next frontier for Jazz is Latin America.

Cordially,

Bobby Ramirez

Read the follow-up letter to the IAJE Executive Board entitled
Manifesto In The Key of Latin Jazz

"Latin Jazz is an indelible part of the history and evolution of "Jazz" in the United States of America." br