Jazz Articles about Pablo Menendez & Mezcla

Mezcla: Shoot The Moon

by Chris May
February 10, 2020

It is not only in London that UK jazz is being revitalised by turbulent young rebels. London is certainly the most exciting centre, with black and women musicians gaining unprecedented visibility, bringing particular sensibilities with them. But other cities, notably Birmingham and Manchester, have developed vibrant new scenes, too. Viewed from down south, Glasgow seems to lag behind, although that may be because news takes a while to cross the border. Whatever the reason, 2017 BBC Young ...

Pablo Menendez & Mezcla: Pure Mezcla: Direct from Cuba – Live at Yoshi’s Oakland

by C. Michael Bailey
February 8, 2015

The music of the United States and Cuba are forever comingled in jazz. Rarely have two cultures proven so simpatico than in music, each benefiting from the other. Political normalization of relations between the two neighbors is long overdue and music remains the most potent cultural element than can be shared and exchanged. That is why this live recording by Pablo Menendez and his fine outfit, Mezcla at Oakland's Yoshi's is so special. The symbiotic, indeed, synergistic, relationship between the ...

Pablo Menendez & Mezcla: I'll See You in Cuba

by Raul d'Gama Rose
April 1, 2010

I'll See You in Cuba is an extraordinary celebration of Cuba's dance and song. It is a fiercely vivid account of a culture infused with the most electrifying elements of Afro-Caribbean heritage. As a musical odyssey it holds its own with the very best of Irakere and the Buena Vista Social Club. Pablo Menéndez and the wonderful musicians of Mezcla set the world alight with a ravishing blend of blues, soul, and jazz idioms that collide with the “son," “guaracha," ...

Pablo Menendez & Mezcla: I'll See You In Cuba

by Jerry D'Souza
February 8, 2010

Guitarist/vocalist Pablo Menéndez makes a two-pronged point with the title of this CD. He alludes to what could happen if visitors from the United States were permitted to travel to Cuba, and adds a slight twist on the Irving Berlin's “I'll See You in C.U.B.A.," which he sings with zest and verve. Menéndez brings in a blend of several genres in his schematic vision on I'll See You In Cuba and, along with his band Mezcla, consistently captures and develops ...

Mezcla: Akimba!

by C. Michael Bailey
September 1, 2002

Hot-avana...

Khaeon Records is a niche label that specializes in World Music. The label currently has five releases, four of which are Latin in character (The John Benitez Trio’s Descarga in New York , Carlos Barbosa-Lima’s Mambo No. 5 , Christos Rafalides’ Manhattan Vibes , Trio Mundo’s Carnaval , and Pablo Menéndez’s Havana Blues Mambo ) and the fifth, a straight-ahead jazz collection (David Gardner’s Grace ). Akimba! is the newest release for the label by the very fine Cuban ...