All Songs Considered Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri: Why Their Music Mattered
Aug 20, 2025
This week, the conversation honors the late Flaco Jimenez and Eddie Palmieri, two giants of Tex-Mex and Latin jazz. Their music expanded traditional boundaries and shaped cultural identities. Discover the vibrant fusions of contemporary artists blending genres and influences. The discussion also highlights rising talents like Day2K from Tijuana, showing how the legacy of these icons continues to inspire. The podcast weaves together themes of community, resilience, and the rich tapestry of Latino music.
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Reviving Afro-Brazilian Big-Band Hybrids
- Orquestra Afro-Brasileira blended Western big-band horns with African percussion and religious elements, creating a distinct mid-century Brazilian sound.
- Recent remixes by contemporary artists reopen that archive and show how old hybrid traditions can inspire new cross-genre work.
Remixes Respect Original Voices
- Modern remixers retained each collaborator's personality while layering them over the original orchestra sound.
- The result validates the original recordings' quality and makes archival music feel contemporary again.
Dr. Nativo's Cross-Border Origin Story
- Dr. Nativo combines Guatemalan and Cuban roots with study in Havana and Barcelona to craft a worldly sound.
- Felix highlights his spirituality and social-justice themes, calling Caminantes an ode to those who walk across borders.