Akimba (2002)

About this title: Mezcla, an eight-piece combo from Havana, joins the Khaeon roster with this hard-hitting but somewhat cluttered live session. While Afro-Cuban jazz and world music are the group's primary influences, the stinging fuzz guitar of leader Pablo Menéndez and the prominent, chopsy electric bass of José Hermida lend a flavor of Southern California fusion -- think Omar Sosa meets Tribal Tech. Carlos Santana, one of the group's more prominent fans, seems to have had an impact on the band as well. Keyboards, multiple horns, and of course percussion round out Mezcla's lineup, as they veer between ... read more

Tracks:

1. Hijos de la Mezcla [Menédez]
2. Isaías [Sánchez]
3. Buena Vista Social Club [Lopez]
4. 2124 Derby [Sánchez]
5. Sadness [Gutiérrez]
6. Donna Lee [Parker]
7. Rumi [Sánchez]
8. Suzi's Mood [Miranda]
9. 4 Woody [Sánchez]
10. Mambo Influenciado [Valdés]
11. ¡Akimba! [Pimienta]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.