Mezcla

Mezcla is a group from Auxerre active since 2002. It is a death metal band from France, although its documented musical profile also describes an Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble led by Pablo Menendez. Under his direction, the group has been part of the Cuban music scene for around twenty-five years.

Style and lineup

The ensemble blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with Yoruba elements, salsa and rock, and is described as a multi-generational septet. Its lineup includes conga player and Afro-Cuban babalao priest Octavio Rodriguez, trumpeter Mayquel Gonzalez, who is associated with Irakere and a JoJazz award, and guitarist and bandleader Pablo Menendez. The group is presented as bringing together veteran musicians and younger jazz players.

Recordings and recognition

Mezcla’s album Akimba! is nominated for a Grammy in 2003. Its later release I’ll See You in C-U-B-A on ZOHO is nominated for the Best of Latin Jazz Awards 2010, along with several of the group’s soloists.

Associated comments

The group is described as drawing on a wide range of music, from traditional jazz and show tunes to electric urban blues, post-bop, Cuban and Puerto Rican music, and neo-bop associated with the 1970s.