The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective

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Mike Grittani

Jose Guzman leads the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective.

Jose Guzman leads the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective.

media release: The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective blends the heart of Afro-Caribbean rhythms with staples as the Cuban son, Puerto Rican bomba, salsa, descarga, cha-cha, and bembe, counterpointed with the sophistication of modern jazz, creating a soundscape that is as familiar as it is fresh in the world music genre. Their third album, "Fiesta at Caroga," has been making waves in the jazz world. It's been featured on jazz radio stations across the country, received glowing reviews from music critics, and has been promoted with a major tour through six Midwestern states.

Formed and led by: José Guzmán Borrero, a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a multi-genre guitarist who has performed with jazz ensembles, chamber groups, and rock bands. He leads the Latin jazz group, The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, which has released several albums on Spotify. As a side man, he has recorded on albums by Dimijtre Vasiljevic (released on Rope a Dope Records), KASA String Quartet, and Mr. Chair's Better Days. Guzmán has performed as an artist in residence at the Caroga Lake Music Festival as both a classical and jazz guitarist. He has received grants from the city of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the city of Urbana Arts Grant, and the Mykytyn Composition Award for his composition "Isochronal: A Suite for Big Band."

He holds an undergraduate degree from the Puerto Rico Conservatory in Jazz Guitar and Afro-Caribbean Music, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Theory and Composition, and a doctorate degree (DMA) from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in Jazz Guitar Performance with a minor in Composition.