Best Latin Band

While other Latin bands come and go on the infamously thankless local live-music scene, trailblazer Carlos Oliva salsas on. And on. Godfather of the Miami Sound (he was the Miami Sound Machine's first producer), Oliva formed Los Sobrinos del Juez as a trio in 1967. Today his eight-man band features top players with diverse Latin and jazz backgrounds: saxman Camilo Valencia; bassist Omar Hernandez; congueros Richard Bravo and Manuel Torres; pianist and vocalist Jackson King; trumpeter Jason Carter; and percussionist Charlie Santiago. The group specializes in bilingual salsa with rock, pop, and jazz influences. Because of the dearth of live venues for Latin music, Oliva has sought to make his living by playing private celebrations and corporate events, making Los Sobrinos del Juez the most popular party band in town. With his new CD Yayabo, on the Max Music label, the venerable band leader continues striving to reach wider audiences.