My Latin Heart is Roger Glenn’s long-awaited tribute to the Afro-Caribbean grooves and jazz lineage that forged a sound all his own — a suite of original compositions drawn from a lifetime in music.
Born into jazz royalty, Roger was raised firstly in New York City then Englewood, NJ, by his father, swing-era trombonist and vibraphonist Tyree Glenn, his mother Gloria, who introduced him to the Latin music that would capture his inspiration, and older brother Tyree Glenn Jr.
Surrounded by a rich mix of cultures, Roger was deeply influenced by the diversity and vibrancy of the era. From an early age, Roger absorbed the sounds of Ellington and Armstrong alongside Machito and Tito Puente — a duality that defines the heart of this record.
One pivotal moment came when, walking home from middle school, Roger found a label-less record in the street. He played it at home and was immediately transported by its rhythms. Years later, he discovered the mystery album had been a Cuban “Descargas” session by Cachao. Full-circle came while recording with Mongo Santamaria on Mongo’s Way, and Cachao was playing bass on that very recording.
Every piece on My Latin Heart carries a story. “Zambo’s Mambo” celebrates African and Indigenous heritage. “Cal’s Guajira” is a tribute to Glenn’s longtime bandleader Cal Tjader, with whom he won a Grammy on La Onda Va Bien. “Brother Marshall” honors educators. “A Night of Love” offers a romantic interlude in deep-toned flute. “Energizer” takes its name from a post-gig TV moment — a nod to its relentless drive.
The album’s final arc connects rhythm and history. “Congo Square” honors the sacred New Orleans ground where African and European musical traditions converged. “Angola” bridges Roger’s research into the African nation and Louisiana’s Angola Prison. And “Samba De Carnaval” is a Brazilian celebration inspired by Glenn’s touring days with Dizzy Gillespie.
Decades in the making, My Latin Heart is more than a return — it’s a statement of legacy, love, and the rhythmic pulse that binds us.
TRACK LISTING
1. Zambo’s Mambo
2. Cal’s Guajira
3. Brother Marshall
4. A Night of Love
5. Energizer
6. Congo Square
7. Angola
8. Samba De Carnaval
CREDITS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Sam Beler, Greg Errico, Unity Music Foundation
PRODUCERS: Roger Glenn, Ray Obiedo
COMPOSER/ARRANGER: Roger Glenn, TyGlo Music (ASCAP)
ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS: David K. Mathews (5, 6, 8), Ray Obiedo (7)
RECORDING ENGINEER: Recorded and mixed by Ray Obiedo at Werewolf Recording, Oakland, CA
MASTERED BY: Gary Mankin
PACKAGING DESIGN: Bob Ciano, Beth Brann
ILLUSTRATION: Olivia Wise
LINER NOTES: Jesse “Chuy” Varela
MUSICIANS
Roger Glenn – vibes, flute, alto sax, marimba, vocals
David K. Mathews – piano
Ray Obiedo – guitar
David Belove – bass
Paul van Wageningen – drums
Derek Rolando – congas, timbales (7)
John Santos –vocals, percussion (7)
Michael Spiro – vocals, percussion (7, 8)
ABOUT ROGER GLENN
Roger Glenn is ingredient X. The secret sauce. The cat behind the cat. Now, after decades of elevating the music of bona fide legends in jazz, Latin jazz, blues, and funk, the most versatile, singular multi-instrumental master is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight with his first new album in five decades. His new release My Latin Heart features a program of his enthralling original compositions, offering the most revealing glimpse yet of a jazz giant hiding in plain sight.
Known among his peers as a supremely talented improviser, Glenn has played flute with vibraphonist Cal Tjader, vibes with flautist Herbie Mann, and both flute and vibes with Dizzy Gillespie. He made his recording debut with legendary pianist/composer Mary Lou Williams and contributed to classic albums with Cuban percussion maestro Mongo Santamaria (Mongo´70, Atlantic Records), pioneering funk/jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd (Black Byrd, Blue Note Records), and Latin jazz star Cal Tjader (Grammy Award-winning La Onda Va Bien, Concord Picante Label).
No one project or recording could possibly capture every facet of this kaleidoscopically creative musician. But My Latin Heart showcases Glenn’s dazzling multi-instrumental prowess via his abiding passion for Afro-Caribbean (and Afro-Brazilian) rhythms. “I’ve been playing with numerous icons of jazz and Latin jazz for years,” says Glenn, a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area since the mid-1970s. “I love all of these various musical exchanges. They’ve all led me to this moment, knowing it’s the right time to make my own musical statement.”
My Latin Heart available Streaming Online, Physical CD and online on all platforms.
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Website: rogerglennjazz.com
Label: patoisrecords.net
