Putumayo World Music continues its exploration into the sounds of the Latin diaspora by releasing its first jazz-focused collection. One of the most familiar jazz genres, Latin jazz has achieved global popularity since big bands in the 1940s and 50s started incorporating Afro-Cuban sounds into their arrangements. This mixture of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz stylings comes together on Latin Jazz, a lively collection of songs by masters of the genre. Latin Jazz features legends Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri and others.
Watch the video for Tomas Einarsson's "Rumdrum"
Tómas R. Einarsson was born in Blönduós, Iceland. He bought his first double-bass in 1979, a year before he finished his studies at the University of Iceland. The music took over and he studied with Jón Sigurðsson, 1st bassist in the Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra (1980-83), and Johan Poulsen, 1st bassist Royal Copenhagen Opera (1983-84). He has played with a.o. Chet Baker, Kenny Drew, Ernie Wilkins, Ted Daniel, John Tchicai, Doug Raney, Bent Jaedig, Richard Boone, Jesper Thilo, Tommy Smith, Mark Levine, Guy Barker and Charles McPherson. His first composition on record appeared on the LP Kvölda tekur in 1982, with Nyja Kompaníið. He has since been active as a composer as well as a bassist.
