So, this was supposed to be posted last week and I know I’m a bit late…but get a load of this rather invigorating new release from Orquesta Akokán!!
Straight out of Havana, Cuba, this band are a blazing presentation of deeply soulful mambo reminiscent of Benny Moré and banda gigante of the 1940’s and 50’s. Akokán is a Yoruba word used in Cuba meaning “from the heart,” and indeed, every song on the self-titled debut album (March 30 2028/Daptone Records) by Orquesta Akokán feels like a heartfelt gift from the band to the listener.
Assembled and led by Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, Orquesta Akokán is a big band collective of the finest musicians on the island, both young and old. Orquesta Akokán’s latest single, 4 de Octubre, has been described as “a fever dream of sublime mambo. Tata’s introduction for Chango segues into blistering horns played with fervour that transcends the earthly realm, seducing the listener as the melody gives way to the hypnotic rhythm of the Bata. As the groove builds Tata’s poem prayer seems to beckon the horns and chorus to re-enter, allowing the music to crest and swoon, creating new sonic vistas in its wake…”
This crisp layering of sound is full of energy, which I’m quite welcoming right now and just you wait until that horn section kicks in! If you like what you hear, you will be pleased to know that this track was released three days ago and can be purchased from here!..Enjoy!
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