CD Review: Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz

Putumayo World Music has been a pioneer in releasing compilations of world music since 1993. You'll probably recognize the distinctive, colorful jackets as the ones you're shown in answer to the question "what's that music you're playing?" while shopping at your favorite import store.

As with all compilations, the selections are a matter of personal taste. But I have to say that I'd be surprised if most readers didn't agree that the ten tracks on Putumayo Presents Latin Jazz are as good as Latin jazz gets - that is, if you like the smooth, mellow, rhythmic variety.

Each one of the album's songs are performed by classic Latin jazz artist such as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Machito, Poncho Sanchez, Hilton Ruiz - well, you get the idea.

Putumayo's motto is that they compile music that's "guaranteed to make you feel good" and they've certainly achieved that objective on this album. If you're someone who feels that jazz is too much work, I think you'll be surprised. Try it and see if you don't agree.