Conjunto

Conjunto is a musical ensemble based in Chicago that blends the influences of traditional Latin rhythms with jazz, blues, rock and the personal contributions of its members. Conjunto performs traditional Latin rhythms such as guanguanco, mambo, cha cha and son.

The roots of this music are Cuban, and indeed the Conjunto lineup resembles a traditional Cuban Charanga performing a blend of Cuban folk music combined with African rhythmic elements on piano, flute, violins, bass, timbales & other Afro-Cuban percussion instruments.

Violinist and band leader, James Sanders says, "My Latino heritage, (my mother is Dominican and I grew up in a Puerto Rican neighborhood) came through in my music, and I began to look for musicians that would want to be a part of an Afro-Cuban Jazz ensemble. Among the factors that allowed me to organize a group of such talented musicians is the fact that few opportunities exist to play Latin Jazz in Chicago." —Courtesy Calabash Music