Released: 04/03/22
Known primarily as a soul jazz guitarist, Grant Green began exploring the boogaloo sound with The Latin Bit (1961-63), ahead of the bossa nova wave. Pianist Johnny Acea anchors the session with sharp playing, while drummer Willie Bobo and conguero Carlos "Patato" Valdes add authentic Latin rhythms. Highlights include a steamy “Besame Mucho,” sultry “Tico Tico,” a Latin-tinged “My Little Suede Shoes,” and the calypso-infused “Mama Inez.” The album also features the hard bop “Brazil” and soul-jazz “Blues for Juanita,” showcasing Green’s signature style. This LP is a Blue Note Tone Poet all-analog 180g vinyl reissue, mastered by Kevin Gray.