When jazz meets reggae: Misael Clemente reimagines “Misty”

What happens when the harmonic sophistication of jazz meets the cadence of roots reggae? That is precisely the question that Misael Clemente, known as Misa, explores with WJMR (When Jazz Meets Reggae) , a new project born from the union of two musical languages interpreted from the same place: the heart.

For this first edition, Misa chose “Misty,” Erroll Garner’s iconic 1954 composition, and took it to an unexpected territory: roots reggae. The result seeks to preserve the emotional and harmonic essence of jazz while incorporating the cadence and organic character of reggae.

The process presented a musical challenge for Clemente, who acknowledges the complexity of combining the structure of jazz with the apparent simplicity of reggae. To build this sonic bridge, he enlisted a team of highly experienced musicians, including Elisent Massanet, vocalist of Cultura Profética; guitarist Benson Pagán; and Bobby Connelly, reggae drummer and audio engineer. César Altamirano, a pianist with experience in both styles, collaborated on adapting the arrangement.

“Misty” is also presented in several versions, each with interpretations and details that expand the concept of WJMR.

Multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and producer Misael Clemente has worked with artists such as Vico-C, SOJA, Lalo Rodríguez, Michael Stuart, Alejandra Guzmán, and Son by Four. His career also led to a 2025 Latin Grammy nomination for his work as a saxophonist with Los Chinchillos del Caribe.

With WJMR, Misa not only presents a new version of a classic: he proposes a dialogue between two musical traditions that, although different, find a common point in interpretation and emotion.

“Misty When Jazz Meets Reggae” is now available on digital platforms and social media.