Scott Martin Latin Soul Jazz Sextet at Jazz Live: 2011

San Diego's Latin jazz scene benefits enormously from musicians like Scott Martin who maintain high musical standards while making the music accessible and joyful. His Latin Soul Jazz Sextet brought authentic Latin jazz rooted in local community to Jazz Live, demonstrating that important Latin music happens outside New York and Los Angeles.

Martin's sextet combines jazz horn section (typically saxophone and trumpet) with Latin rhythm section (piano, bass, congas, percussion). This configuration allows for tight horn arrangements while maintaining rhythmic authenticity that larger or smaller groups might sacrifice.

The "soul jazz" element in the band's name references organ-based jazz from the 1960s and jazz's connections to R&B and funk. Martin's approach incorporates these influences, creating Latin jazz that grooves hard and emphasizes feeling alongside sophistication.

The arrangements showed careful attention to Latin music's structural requirements. Proper clave orientation, effective montunos, and brass writing that complements rather than fights percussion all demonstrated professional understanding of genre's demands.

San Diego's Latin jazz community, while smaller than LA or New York scenes, maintains serious standards. Musicians like Martin keep tradition alive locally, providing opportunities for Latin jazz education and performance that might not exist otherwise.

The sextet's energy got the Lyceum audience moving. Latin jazz works best when audiences respond physically, and Martin's group created rhythms and melodies that demanded participation. This differs from some jazz's cerebral reputation, emphasizing music's physical and communal aspects.

The performance included Latin jazz standards alongside original compositions influenced by salsa, bossa nova, Afro-Cuban jazz, and various Latin American styles. This variety demonstrates Latin jazz's breadth beyond single national tradition.

What makes local scenes vital is musicians committed to maintaining quality and educating next generations. Martin's work in San Diego serves both functions, keeping Latin jazz alive locally while building community around it.

Scott Martin Latin Soul Jazz Sextet at Jazz Live showed that significant Latin jazz happens in cities throughout California, not just major metropolitan centers. The musicianship, the authentic rhythmic foundation, and the infectious energy created performance that honored Latin jazz tradition while celebrating San Diego's contribution to it.

Thank you to Scott Martin and his musicians for keeping Latin jazz vital in San Diego.