Candace Luong

August 23, 2015

FYE 1220

Bridges 1

Latin music is as diverse as American music in terms of its many genres. One guitarist,
Carlos Santana, brought a new blend of styles to Latin music that eventually reached spots on
American music charts. Decades before his success though, Mario Bauza also set a scene in
Latin music. He faced great prejudice in Cuba, so he fled to New York where music saw no skin
color. His love for jazz music led his to great fame as a Latin musician. Another great influence
of Latin music in America came from El Manisero, which parented the rumba craze of the 30s.

I found the video interesting. I had never heard of Mario Bauza until watching this video;
he truly was a revolutionary for Latin music in the US. Bauza is admirable for chasing his
dreams, especially while crossing countries to do so. I understand the difficulties of switching
from classical to jazz music, so for that I respect him. Carlos Santana is also a favorite guitarist
of mine so I was happy to see him in the video and to hear about his style of music. Overall, I
think the video was a good representation of the various genres of Latin music as well as the
capability of any musicians striving for fame.