Definition & Meaning of "Latin jazz"

What is "Latin jazz"?

Latin jazz is a genre that combines the improvisational elements of jazz with the rhythms and styles of Latin American music. It features jazz instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, and piano, and incorporates Latin rhythms. The music often includes complex rhythms, off-beat patterns, and vibrant melodies, blending jazz's harmonic sophistication with the lively, danceable qualities of Latin music. Latin jazz aims to create a rich, rhythmic experience that highlights the fusion of these two diverse musical traditions.