Scottish Jazz | Irish Salsa

So back in the days when I was probing the planet for Latin jazz and salsa outside of the US of A, I came across African and European countries which developed amazing bands. As such and to my surprise I also came across bands from Japan and Israel which produced outstanding big bands which would make Latinos blush with joy.

This big band became a total favorite of mine for their Latin sass and attitude a lo Cubano. Being inspired by the late Tito Puente, Salsa Celtica incorporates, in addition to the already standard ensemble, a bagpipe, fiddle and banjo to elevate their salsa sound. Without question this amazing band named Salsa Celtica has put their cultural thumbprint on the growing and everlasting fabric of global salsa. Salsa used to be local, and I mean Caribbean, South/Central America and USA were the only players in town. Yeah we heard of African bands and for whatever political reasons their appeal has not reached the mainland USA. However, Salsa Celtica has reached our shores and not recently either. They were formed back in 1995 by Scottish jazz and folk musicians. Two years later in 1997 they traveled to Cuba to polish their craft with Cubas already impressive history of salsa pioneers. Their experience in Cuba led to an amazing LP which won them much deserved critical acclaim, titled Monstruos y Demonios.

How cool is that, when you have a band with names like Megan, fiddle and lead vocals or Éamonn Coyne playing an Irish salsa banjo. Let's add Ross Ainslie who dominates a best salsa bagpipe I've ever heard to the classic song Ave Maria in SALSA !!!! If I could cuss in Irish, I would, just to honor these guys out of pure excitement, they make me feel proud to be Irish every time I listen to them. I've added five of my favorite tracks which you should not miss at all. Visit my playlist and max out your volume and pour yourself a hard drink. This is salsa a la Escocia and deserves to be on your list of things to jam with this weekend. Send me a note if your Irish/Scottish or just simply tell me to have a nice Irish Day =).