Album Notes

Orquesta Alto Maiz is a 12 piece Latin/jazz band from the Heartland (Iowa) that plays all styles of Latin music, from Mambo, Son, Samba, Latin/jazz, Merrengue, to originals. Playing energetic, creative, authentic and original Latin music for over 20 years, Orquesta Alto Maiz has played venues through out the Midwest, as well as tours to the US Pacific North West, and to Europe where the band played at the Montreux Jazz Festival (see the CD “Live at Montreux”). Led by jazz educator and composer Bob Washut (UNI), the band has been a constant presence on the eastern Iowa music scene (yes there is a music scene there) since 1986. 6 CDs and counting, the group continues to export it’s brand of salsa and Latin/jazz to music fans everywhere.

Here’s what others are saying about Orquesta Alto Maiz:

“The sounds of guaguanco and bembe 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.”

Mark Levine, Jazz & Latin recording artist, author and educator.

“I have nothing but respect for this group and want to share my enthusiasm and their great sounds with fans of Latin music from all over.”

Erik “Chico” Manqueros, California Latin/jazz DJ, “The latin Style of Jazz”

"If your body doesn't move when you hear these guys, you should check your pulse to see if you're alive."

Victor Mendoza, Recording Artist/Yamaha Clinician/Berklee College Professor