The 15 Years of the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam

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On a breezy January evening, the Ponce de León Avenue in Santurce buzzed with the traffic of music lovers making their way to the Centro de Bellas Artes. The air was electric with anticipation for the fifteenth anniversary of the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam, an annual celebration of Puerto Rican jazz organized by Humberto Ramirez. This year was particularly special, as it marked a milestone for the event following last year’s celebration of Humberto’s impressive 40 years in music.

Humberto, a celebrated trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, poured his heart and soul into creating an event that showcases Puerto Rican jazz’s richness while providing a platform for local musicians. Over the years, the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam has become a staple in the island’s cultural calendar, drawing jazz aficionados from near and far.

Day 1: Zenón, Perdomo & Rivero

As the concert hall doors opened, the audience was greeted by the melodic sounds of Miguel Zenón and Luis Perdomo. The duo, known for their close collaboration over the past 26 years, performed pieces from their album “El Arte del Bolero, Vol. 2”. My wife and I were captivated by the intricate interplay between Zenón’s saxophone and Perdomo’s piano, which left the audience in awe of their musical prowess.

The first evening of the Jazz Jam continued with “Little” Johnny Rivero and his Giants Latin jazz band. On the touching moment of the evening, “Little” Johnny took a minute to pay tribute to the recently deceased legendary and beloved “conguero” Kachiro Thompson. The rhythmic beats and vibrant melodies filled the hall, culminating in a powerful joint performance of “Manteca” alongside Zenón and Perdomo. The crowd erupted in applause, their enthusiasm a testament to the magic of the night.

For Humberto, organizing the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam was more than just an event—it was a labor of love. Each year, he meticulously curated the lineup, ensuring that both established and emerging Puerto Rican talent had a chance to shine. His dedication to the craft and his unwavering commitment to the local music scene had enriched the lives of audiences and provided countless opportunities for musicians to grow and thrive.

Day 2: A Tribute to Barbara Streisand

The festival’s second day featured Humberto and his Big Band, a grand ensemble that showcased his composer and bandleader skills. The evening was made even more special by the addition of singer Camila Isabel, a Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music graduate with a master’s degree from Penn State University. Her renditions of Barbara Streisand’s classics left the audience spellbound, her voice soaring effortlessly over the lush arrangements of the Big Band.

Although we could not attend the second day’s performance, the reviews were nothing short of stellar. Those who had the pleasure of experiencing the jazz banquet spoke of the unforgettable performances and the palpable sense of camaraderie that filled the hall.

Puerto Rico Jazz Jam: the Next 15 Years

As the festival drew to a close, Humberto took a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought him here. Fifteen years ago, he had envisioned a “fiesta del jazz puertorriqueño” that would celebrate the unique sounds of the island while fostering a sense of community among musicians and audiences alike. Year after year, the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam had delivered on that promise, becoming a beacon of musical excellence and a testament to Humberto’s enduring legacy.

Looking ahead, we, as jazz music lovers, remain hopeful that the next 15 years will continue to uphold the tradition of musical quality that has become synonymous with the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam. As the final notes of the festival echoed through the halls, the audience left with their hearts full and their spirits lifted, already marking their calendars for the next edition of this beloved celebration of jazz.