The best of both worlds when Latin meets jazz! The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project is a fresh mix of outstanding jazz soloists, rich, Afro-Cuban inspired rhythms, and unique arrangements of jazz standards. The group is led by drumset artist and percussionist Craig Russo, who has a special interest in Afro-Cuban music styles. Craig has traveled to Cuba extensively to study at the prestigious National School of Arts in Havana. He toured Cuba with the all-star Midwest Cuban music group Charanga Tropical, the first American group ever invited to perform at Cuba's prestigious, International Festival of Danzon. Craig also performed with the international, Grammy-winning Cuban salsa singer Mayito Rivera on his first US solo tour. He recently played Levitt Amp Foundation and St. Louis Hispanic Festival Midwest shows with Tito Puente Jr.
The group plays a familiar jazz repertoire but uses Latin rhythms, which makes for a unique and engaging form of jazz. The Latin, tropical sound lends itself especially well to summer events. The music is multicultural and easily accessible to a wide audience.
