This book investigates the historical erasure of Latin American influences within the jazz tradition and argues for a more inclusive narrative that recognizes the genre's international origins. Christopher J. Washburne, a professional jazz musician and musicologist, utilizes his dual perspective as an insider and scholar to re-examine the development of the genre. He presents a framework that accounts for the complex intersections of economics, race, ethnicity, and nationalism that have historically shaped the evolution of Latin jazz.

Experts and music historians recognize this work as a significant contribution to the field of jazz studies for its focus on marginalized cultural narratives. Readers frequently note the academic rigor of the text, which provides a necessary corrective to traditional, US-centric jazz histories.