Described by Matthew Garbutt on AllMusic as "one of Mexico's national cultural treasures", the award-winning drummer, composer, arranger, and bandleader Tino Contreras (1924-2021) recorded and performed internationally for more than 60 years. Blending Latin American music with jazz, he created his own original and adventurous sound. In 1957, Contreras formed his first quartet, which reflected an almost bewildering range of influences. Some key albums from this period include Jazz Tropical (presented here) and Jazz a Paris (both from 1962), Jazz Ballet (1963), and Misa en Jazz (1966). All throughout his extended career, Contreras remained a champion of the jazz form in Mexico, winning the National Festival of Jazz award each year between 1959 and 1966.