Veinte, Orquesta Alto Maiz Anthology (2006)

We have assembled a musical anthology culled from every recording session we've done. The tracks are presented in chronological order. The core personnel from our first gig in 1986 that has remained constant twenty years later is comprised of Ed East, Jim Dreier, Dan Hummel, and Bob Washut. Many other musicians have, or have had, lengthy tenures with the band, including Steve Grismore, Al Naylor, Brent Sandy, Rich Medd. Paul Cunliffe, Bob Thompson and Tom Barry. And, aside from the bass chair, which has been a kind of revolving door, Bill Bergren is the most recent addition to the current edition of the band. The curious listener is invited to peruse the personnel lists for each of the musical selections to get a glimpse of the band's evolution. We hope you enjoy this musical sampling of 20 years of our efforts. And we thank all of you who have made it possible for us to continue to keep on keepin' on. Here's to you!

Ritmo en Azul (2004)

Ritmo en Azul, Orquesta Alto Maiz's newest recording, brings the sounds of Cuba fresh off the island, drenched in the Matanzas style of Rumba and Bembé. Members of Orquesta Alto Maiz had the distinct honor of studying with the undisputed masters of Cuban folkloric Music: "Los Muñequitos de Matanzas" prior to the recording of this cd and as a result, were able to infuse it with a level of authenticity unlike any of the previous recordings. We hope that what you hear will make you dance, sing, and become ever more curious about the infinitely wonderful world of Afro-Cuban music.

Añejando (2001)

Original tunes like the tender "Madrugada," with its soft bossa feel, and the swaying "Coalescencia," a beautiful bolero done with such class and with a gorgeous melody, will convince you. If not, check out Washut's sassy boogaloo/cha cha, "Booga-lee." Driving mambo beats heat up "Eddie's Riff" and "Insight," a tune that was recorded in the mid sixties by Latin-jazz legend, vibraphonist Cal Tjader. "Bomba de Corazon," the soulful "Elena, Elena" and the Frenchy "Vouz les vouz," will have you in that party state of mind. The Afro-Cuban jazz staple "Manteca" is done here as a descarga (jam session) and allows all the fellas to strut their stuff and will mark this as one the best renditions of an already legendary tune.

Live at Montreux (1999)

Salsa? In Iowa? Historically, there never has been much going on in the Salsa/Latin jazz world between New York and the West Coast. That's all changing, however. The sounds of guaguanco and bemb� are springing up all over the country, and in no place do they sound better than they do in Iowa - eastern Iowa, to be exact - where Bob Washut's Orquesta Alto Maiz has everyone snapping their fingers in clave.

Decada (1996)

This recording commemorates the tenth anniversary of Orquesta (de jazz y salsa) Alto Maiz. What began as a humble, but extremely fun project for the College Hill Arts Festival at the University of Northern Iowa in 1986 has evolved into a truly unique ensemble in the heartland of America. Alto Maiz has developed a large and faithful following of dancers and fans whose support has encouraged our efforts in the exploration of this wonderful music known, generically, as "salsa" and Latin jazz.

Azúcar Caliente (1994)

Tracks: Azúcar, Para Los Rumberos, Carmelina, Canto Abuacuá, Bang Bang, Tanga, Ran Kan kan, Cuando te Vea, Aha Uhum, Movimientos del Alma

Dancing in the Corn (1992)

Tracks: Guarare, Bailoteo, Juan Pachanga, Trees Grass and Things, Todos Vuelven, African Market, Abran Paso, Yo Tengo Una Pena, Oye Como Va, Mambo Inn