The temperature is hot! Louie Cruz Beltran and his nine piece Latin jazz ensemble are on fire here at the Los Angeles Airport Westin Hotel tonight. The music and the musicians are spilling way out into the aisles of the lobby. From note numero uno, the Westin is no longer a hotel, it has transformed into a Latin jazz jam paradise.

This band is fueled on percussive rhythm and with a funky horn section as well. Heads are groovin' about four extra inches in radius than normal. Tonight we have vibes, timbales, cowbells, tenor, trombone, congas, bongos, piano, bass, drums, vocals and all of the ingredients for a fine super caliente performance.

Not only does the band have a good sound, it looks like they have a great time playing together as well. Louie likes to have fun with his audience. A little humor brings about smiles and laughter to go along with a great vibe and good music.

On the break were more students from the USC School of jazz directed by David Arnay. This group of players certainly knows how to select the right music. It is almost impossible to go wrong when you are blowin' Shorter and Monk tunes. It sounds like these students had time to rehearse and the performance sounds pro!

Louie comes back playing with more Latin soul. Incorporating the influence of Willie Bo Bo and doing pieces like Benny Golson's "Killer Joe", Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" and Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa" made the night a rhythmic success. There were moments where there was some intense percussive energy emanating from the band. The played some pretty ballads as well. Another fine night of music at the Westin!

The music at the Westin is from 6pm - 10pm and is absolutely free and so is the parking. So, come on out and experience some fine jazz music. I will see you there!

LeRoy Downs
Click here for pictures