Jazz Break at Noon Archive - July 14-18, 2025

Archived Broadcast: July 14-18

The musical dialogue between the Caribbean and Black North America is as rich as it is enduring, rooted in a shared African heritage that has shaped some of the world’s most influential musical traditions. Though the exact moment of their first convergence may be obscured by time, their sonic kinship is unmistakable. This week on Jazz Break at Noon, host Bria Woods invites you on a journey through the Caribbean’s diverse musical landscape.

Each listening session will feature a carefully curated playlist of music from the Caribbean and artists representing various island cultures. We will visit Puerto Rico with Eddie Palmieri, Trinidad and Tobago with Etienne Charles, Jamaica with Monty Alexander, Panama with Danilo Perez, the Dominican Republic with Michel Camilo, Cuba with Machito, Haiti with Mozayik…and more countries and artists. 

Alongside the music, we’ll explore the instruments and stylistic elements that define genres like rumba, salsa, calypso, and soca — from the steelpan to the clave — and uncover the cultural and historical forces that shaped these sounds. We’ll also shine a light on the artists who helped bring these traditions to global audiences, often building on generations of community-based music-making.

Whether you're a seasoned jazz listener or new to Caribbean rhythms, this week offers an opportunity to discover the depth and beauty of a region whose influence on global music is both profound and ongoing.
Listen to the full broadcast playback below!

Monday

Jamaica
 

Tuesday

Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Guadalupe
 

Wednesday

Dominican Republic, Guyana, Panama, Puerto Rico
 

Thursday

Cuba Part I
 

Friday

Cuba Part II