Roger Glenn MY LATIN HEART

July 23, 2025

ROGER GLENN

MY LATIN HEART

Patois Records

Roger Glenn, vibraphone/flute/alto saxophone/marimba/vocals/composer; David K. Mathews, piano; Ray Obiedo, guitar; David Belove, bass; Paul Van Wageningen, drums; Derek Rolando, congas; John Santos & Michael Spiro, vocals/percussion.

Roger Glenn’s father played trombone and vibes with Cab Calloway’s band, with Duke Ellington’s orchestra, and with Louis Armstrong. Consequently, young Roger grew up surrounded by great jazz musicians. His mother was more into Latin music. She turned her son on to the great Latin artists of the day. Gloria Glenn opened his heart to a lifelong passion for Latin music.

You might see Roger Glenn’s name as a musician on the albums of Mongo Santamaria, or you may have seen him working in the Bay Area of Northern California, playing with Pete Escovedo or Cal Tjader. Glenn was recently honored at the 32^nd International Vibe Summit sponsored by the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

This album opens with Roger Glenn’s composition called “Zambo’s Mambo.” It introduces the listener to his superb skills on the flute.

On “Cal’s Guajira” Roger Glenn steps behind the vibraphone and spotlights his rhythmic skills, honoring his longtime boss Cal Tjader with this medium tempo Latin tune that makes me want to cha cha across my listening room. Roger Glenn’s music is a warm combination of Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian jazz. This is his first album since 1976 when the Mizell Brothers produced his cult classic recording titled, “Reachin.’”

Over the years, Roger Glenn has kept busy, performing with many musicians in the Latin jazz world and beyond. He played flute and vibes with the great Herbie Mann and recorded with the iconic piano player and composer, Mary Lou Williams. He contributed to albums by Cuban percussion master, Mongo Santamaria on his “Mongo ’70” for the Atlantic label. Glenn worked with jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd, recording on his Black Byrd album for Blue Note Records.

On this production, we hear Roger Glenn, the multi-talented musician and gifted composer. He brings his historic background of working with jazz icons and his years of developing his own style and individuality. On “Congo Square” his arrangement is a blend of cultures.

“I’m really interested in the concept of different cultures coming together. When I was in New Orleans, working with Taj Mahal, I went to Congo Square and was thinking about how jazz could not have been created without the input of African and European cultures at that time ad place. The concept starts out classically, with the piano intro, until we move into a 6/8 rhythm. It brings everything together,” Glenn explains.

I fall in love with his original composition “A Night of Love” that showcases Glenn’s sexy alto flute. The melody is beautiful, with the easy-going tempo and percussive touches endear this song to me. David K. Mathews also adds his sensuous piano solo to the production. Every tune on this album is a treasure in its own right. Each production spotlights how super talented Glenn is, excelling on every instrument he plays and every song he writes. He is spectacular on the bandstand or in the studio, playing flute, tenor or alto saxophone, vibraphone, clarinet, even the piccolo. Grammy Award-winning jazz singer, Kurt Elling featured Roger Glenn as a soloist on a tour opening for Steely Dan. Glenn could just as quickly turn around and tour with the Basie Orchestra, playing his baritone saxophone in New Zealand and Australia.

This is an amazing album, by a super talented musician and legendary artist. He stands ready to be recognized in all his instrumental splendor.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil