The albums that define
latin jazz.
Our picks for where to start with latin jazz — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top Latin jazz artists
Start with one of these.
The latin jazz essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Gigi D'Agostino
Suono Libero
A vibrant blend of Italo dance and Latin jazz, encapsulating euphoric melodies and infectious rhythms.
Start here
Gigi D'Agostino
Gigi D'Agostino
A vibrant blend of Italo dance and melodic electronic beats that invite euphoric escapism.
Start here
Ivete Sangalo
Festa
A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and pop melodies that captures the essence of Brazilian festivity.
Start here
Ivete Sangalo
Multishow Registro: Pode Entrar
A vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture blending infectious rhythms with heartfelt melodies.
Start here
Vince Guaraldi
Oh Good Grief!
A breezy mix of playful melodies and jazzy rhythms, evoking the whimsical charm of childhood.
Start here
Vince Guaraldi
Vince Guaraldi and the Lost Cues from the Charlie Brown Television Specials, Volume 2
Playful melodies intermingle with whimsical arrangements, capturing childhood nostalgia through jazz-infused instrumentals.
Start here
Antônio Carlos Jobim
The Composer of Desafinado, Plays
A suave blend of intricate melodies and laid-back rhythms that defines the essence of bossa nova.
Start here
Antônio Carlos Jobim
Jobim
A lush tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and melodies that seamlessly blend jazz with bossa nova's elegance.
Start here
Sheila E.
Sex Cymbal
A vibrant fusion of funk and Latin rhythms, showcasing Sheila E.'s dynamic percussion and sensual vocals.
Start here
Sheila E.
The Glamorous Life
A vibrant fusion of funk and Latin rhythms, propelled by dynamic percussion and Sheila E.'s captivating vocals.
Start here
Mongo Santamaría
Mongo Introduces La Lupe
An exuberant fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation, celebrating vibrant cultural exchanges.
Start here
Cal Tjader
Time for 2
Lush harmonies and vibrant rhythms create a sultry soundscape that invites listeners into Cal Tjader's Latin jazz world.
Start here
Cal Tjader
Soul Burst
A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation that pulses with energy and warmth.
Start here
Gato Barbieri
Fenix
A vibrant tapestry of Latin rhythms interwoven with expressive saxophone melodies that evoke a sense of longing and celebration.
Start here
Gato Barbieri
The Third World (album)
Explosive Latin jazz rhythms intertwine with lush orchestral textures, creating a vibrant soundscape of cultural fusion.
Start here
Sérgio Mendes
Sergio Mendes
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and soft rock, blending lush arrangements with captivating rhythms.
Start here
Sérgio Mendes
Encanto
A vibrant fusion of bossa nova and jazz, infused with Brazilian rhythms and lush melodies.
Start here
Joe Henderson
Ptah, the El Daoud
A meditative blend of modal jazz and spiritual themes, driven by intricate saxophone melodies and rich instrumentation.
Start here
Joe Henderson
An Evening with Joe Henderson
A masterful blend of improvisational jazz, rich melodies, and deep emotional resonance interwoven with a Latin influence.
Start here
Paquito D'Rivera
Tropicana Nights
A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation, evoking the nightlife of Havana with every track.
Start here
Paquito D'Rivera
Funk Tango
A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and jazz improvisation that dances between tradition and innovation.
Start here
Nathy Peluso
Calambre
A vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms and contemporary R&B that showcases Nathy Peluso's dynamic vocal range and eclectic influences.
Start here
Egberto Gismonti
Folk Songs
A lush tapestry of Brazilian rhythms and intricate melodies woven through jazz improvisation.
Start here
Egberto Gismonti
Magico
A mesmerizing fusion of Brazilian rhythms and avant-garde jazz, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
Start here