The Enduring Legacy of the New Swing Sextet: Six Decades of Latin Jazz Brilliance!
The New Swing Sextet is a legendary Latin jazz band that has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. The group was founded in the early 1960s in New York City, and its blend of jazz, salsa, and other Latin music genres quickly gained popularity. The marimba (vibraphone) gives this band a uniquely distinctive sound.
The original members included brothers George and Andy González, Manuel Ramos, Edwin RodrÃguez, Hector Maisonave, and Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros. They recorded their first album, “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” in 1966, which included hits like “My Favorite Things” and “Mambo Inn.”
In the 1970s, the group released several albums that became instant classics, including “The Other Side Of Now,” “Breakfast In Bed,” and “Soul Of The New Swing Sextet”. Their music continued to evolve, with the addition of funk and soul influences.
In addition to their success as recording artists, the New Swing Sextet is also known for their high-energy live performances. They performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Apollo Theater.
Their innovative blend of jazz, salsa, and other Latin music genres paved the way for future generations of Latin jazz musicians, such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, and Arturo Sandoval.
In 2019, the New Swing Sextet was inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the Latin music genre. Today, the band continues to tour and perform, delighting audiences with their unique blend of jazz and Latin music.
