www.montereycountynow.com DECEMBER 4-10, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 37 MUSIC Stu Reynolds’ fingers fly over the keys of his saxophone as he wails the melody, with Brian Stock and Felix Diaz-Contreras punctuating behind him on their instruments—until Reynolds tapers off and Stock’s trumpet asserts itself with a sharp, staccato line. Heads bob across the room as listeners lock in on the chemistry of the Latin Jazz Collective, the group regularly tapped to close out the jam season as its most-requested act. The moment—an October jam at Embassy Suites—fulfills John Nava’s vision. “When people come to see us perform, I want them to see what I see on stage: the joy on their faces when they’re playing,” he says. From the beginning, Nava and co-founder Martin Binder shared a clear sense of the sound they wanted. New members are asked two questions: Do you understand callalé, the heartbeat of Afro-Latino music? And do you know the vocabulary of jazz? “If you understand those two things,” Nava says, “you’re where we need you to be.” Nava describes their style simply: “Jazz melodies and stylings laid melodically over Afro-Cuban or Afro-Latino rhythms.” Those rhythms pull from mambo, merengue, samba and other Latin and Caribbean traditions—the band’s pulse. He sums up the blend with a single metaphor: “It’s like a lemon meringue pie.” Each member adds a distinct layer. Co-founders Nava (congas) and Binder (drums) provide rhythmic structure— the crust that grounds everything. Saxophonist and arranger Reynolds contributes many of the group’s original compositions. Pianist Kevin McCullough brings both musical insight and stability as keyboardist and musical director, a role he has held since day one. Bassist Steve Uccello impressed Nava with a looping cello performance. “He’s going to be in my band,” Nava told his wife. Stock rounds out the brass. Known for nailing complex parts and delivering electrifying solos, he brings professional polish. The youngest member, trombonist Diaz-Contreras, fit in immediately. Nava admires how he “solos his tail off.” Improvisation is the heart of Latin jazz—the “meringue” of the pie—a blend that requires mastery of technique and the confidence to think on your feet. LJC’s lineup makes it look effortless. Latin Jazz Collective performs 7pm Friday, Dec. 5. Wave Street Studios, 744 Wave St., Monterey. $30. (831) 655-2010, wavestreetstudios.com. COURTESY OF LATIN JAZZ COLLECTIVE Jam, On It The Latin Jazz Collective ends the year with a bang at Wave Street Studios. By Tonia Eaton The Latin Jazz Collective is (left to right) Steve Uccello, John Nava, Felix Diaz-Contreras, Brian Stock, Martin Binder, Kevin McCullough and Stu Reynolds. (831) 649-4511 | Portolahotel.com LIVE PERFORMANCES SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN THE MEAN GREEN ONE IS BACK! THREE CHRISTMAS DINNER OFFERINGS VIEW MORE DETAILS at PORTOLA HOTEL & SPA WINTER WONDERLAND
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