Raíces (Roots) pays homage to the originators of Latin Jazz and performs original music in the same style. The release of their debut, self-titled album was well-received, and they played to a standing-room-only crowd at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase for Cal Tjader’s Centennial in July 2025.
 
Raíces was modeled after the famous Cal Tjader Quintet of the 1950s and 1960s by the late Chicago percussionist Rubén Alvarez and is now led by vibraphonist Joe Sonnefeldt. Since their post-pandemic return, the group has thrilled audiences at area music festivals and venues in Chicago and the suburbs. Raíces includes Stuart Seale on piano, Cuban-born bassist Eric Ferrer, Chicago stalwart Bobby Delgado on timbales, and Jorge Leal on congas. 
 
Raíces’ concerts are always rousing as they put their modern, Chicago-influenced stamp on the Latin Jazz classics of artists like Tjader, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Paquito D’Rivera, and others.  Their original compositions blend seamlessly with the standards they perform.