Afro-Cuban . Latin-Jazz . Folklore

Montuno West is a cross-regional Canadian ensemble that fuses Afro-Cuban folklore, Latin jazz, and global music traditions into an exciting and infectious sound. With members based in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, the group exemplifies Canadian artistic practice's collaborative, multicultural spirit. Their music blends deep respect for traditional forms such as Batá drumming, Santería songs, and Cuban folkloric rhythms with contemporary jazz harmonies and improvisation. The result is a vibrant, rooted, and forward-looking sound, combining technical mastery with emotional resonance.

The ensemble brings together internationally respected artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Israel "Toto" Berriel (Cuba) is a master of Afro-Cuban folklore and a former Grammy-winning Los Muñequitos de Matanzas member. Chris Andrew (Canada) is one of Western Canada's most acclaimed jazz pianists, known for his fluency in Latin and modern jazz. Raul Tabera (Cuba) and Luis Tovar (Venezuela) are leading Latin percussionists in Canada whose work bridges folkloric traditions and contemporary performance. Rubim de Toledo (Brazil/Canada) is an award-winning bassist and composer whose work explores the intersection of jazz, Latin, and other global styles. This fusion of Canadian, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Brazilian perspectives defines the group's unique identity, enriching their music with a depth of cultural knowledge and lived experience.

Members of Montuno West have received national and international recognition for their individual and collective work, including Western Canadian Music Awards, CBC Rising Star Awards, and JUNO nominations. These accolades underscore their excellence as performers, composers, and cultural ambassadors in Canada's diverse music scene.

Montuno West's debut recording earned the 2019 Calgary Music Award for World Recording of the Year and a World Artist of the Year nomination at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Their innovative and authentic approach to Latin jazz has since garnered further attention, establishing them as one of Canada's most compelling global music projects.

In November 2024, Montuno West released its second album, Raíces, a project in which all five members explore ancestry, identity, and cultural memory through original compositions. The album showcases the ensemble's artistic evolution and the deepening of their musical connection. Raíces reflects the group's continued exploration of Latin traditions through a contemporary jazz lens while remaining deeply rooted in folkloric and traditional foundations. The album was also well-received on Canadian airwaves, reaching #3 on the !earshot National Jazz Chart, #2 on the !earshot International Chart, and #3 on CKUA's Top 30 Chart, where it received substantial airplay and support from program hosts and listeners.

Montuno West has performed at major festivals and venues across Western Canada, including:

• Edmonton Jazz Festival
• JazzYYC Canadian Jazz Festival (Calgary)
• Lethbridge Jazz Festival
• Yardbird Suite (Edmonton)
• Frankie’s Jazz Club (Vancouver)
• Starbelly Jam Music Festival (Crawford Bay)
• Vic Lewis Band Festival (Canmore)
• Jazz at the Lake (Sylvan Lake)

They have also appeared at institutions and venues such as MacEwan University, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Ironwood Stage, Beat Niq, Alvin's Jazz Club, Owl Acoustic Lounge, Asylum for Art, Lolita's Lounge, cSpace, Cliff Bungalow Series, Edmonton Fringe Festival, and Summit Jazz Series.

Montuno West's commitment to artistic excellence, cultural dialogue, and regional collaboration has made them a vital force in Canada's jazz and world music communities. Their work celebrates diasporic traditions while advancing a modern, inclusive vision of Latin jazz that resonates across cultures and audiences.