Thank you for the music, is a new blog for Jazz Jurassica fans. We invite guests to tell us about the music that’s important to them and why.

Thank you for the music – Martin Jenkins

Here, MARTIN JENKINS, pianist and co-founder of latin band, Orpheus, lists 10 of his favourite tracks.

You can hear his selection as a Spotify playlist on Jazz Jurassica’s Spotify channel (Thank you for the music – Martin Jenkins Listen to it HERE.

“I’m starting with Canadian Sunset by Jimmy McGriff. It’s such an uplifting track, but so cool! Jimmy McGriff is a beast of a player but here he’s really holding it down, just cruising.. Beautiful!

Afro latin vibes

Next up is Afro Blue by Cal Tjader. His music was a huge influence on me. A drummer friend got me into him when we started playing his tunes in a band many years ago. Those vibey vibes over tight latin grooves was addictive. It was my route into afro latin music.

There’s an album featuring Hugh Masakela with Ghanaian group Hedzoleh Soundz. It was the inspiration for an afro latin band I had back when I lived in Bristol. I’ve chosen a track by Hedzoleh Soundz called Mee Bee – When

Reggae

Next is Bucky Skank from Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, who recently passed away. I have always been a massive reggae fan and Lee Perry was the man! An unpredictable genius in the studio.

Like many, I got into reggae via Bob Marley. This track Rebel Music, and the album Natty Dread, is an absolute favourite.

Keyboard wizards

I played a lot of Latin music when living in Bristol. So, Cuban pianist Peruchin, who recorded in the 50’s, made it onto my playlist. Here’s a tune we used to play a lot – La Mulata Rumbera.

When I first got into jazz, like a lot of budding piano players, I became obsessed with Bill Evans. His recording of Minority, from Everybody Digs Bill Evans, still drives me crazy.

Now, one of my favourite organists, Larry Young. He has influenced everybody. Here is Paris Eyes, from the album Into Somethin’.

From Monk to Jobim

The playing and compositions of Thelonious Monk has been a huge influence. This is perhaps my favourite Monk tune – the insanely beautiful Pannonica.

Last up, when it comes to composers there has to be a tune in this list from the master composer Antônio Carlos Jobim. Insensatez (How Insensitive).

Featured artists:

Jimmy McGriff, Cal Tjader, Hedzoleh Soundz, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Bob Marley, Peruchin, Bill Evans, Larry Young, Thelonious Monk, and Antônio Carlos Jobim

We’d love to know what you think of Martin’s picks. What would your list sound like. Join in the debate and comment below.

<span “>Checkout:

Jazzwise magazine’s 100 Jazz Albums that shook the world.

Gilles Peterson’s show on BBC Radio 6

Ronnie Scott’s for live and streamed music