Eckroth

Caracoles ushers (GRAMMY-award nominated) Orquesta Akokán’s unique brand of mambo into the 21st century, imbuing it with the group’s signature sense of akokán–a Cuban Yoruba word meaning “from the heart”. Back at the helm are producer and multi instrumentalist, Jacob Plasse and virtuosic pianist, composer and arranger Michael Eckroth - a collaboration that continues to lead Orquesta’s exploration of the sublime mambo in all its depth and breadth. On this, their third album, they combine talents with Cuban lyricist, singer and composer Kiko Ruiz, who has toured and recorded with Pancho Amat’s illustrious Estrellas del Buena Vista Social Club as well as having a longstanding history as a singer, composer and arranger with Orquesta Maria Alejandra y Cubanía.

Caracoles ushers (GRAMMY-award nominated) Orquesta Akokán’s unique brand of mambo into the 21st century, imbuing it with the group’s signature sense of akokán–a Cuban Yoruba word meaning “from the heart”. Back at the helm are producer and multi instrumentalist, Jacob Plasse and virtuosic pianist, composer and arranger Michael Eckroth - a collaboration that continues to lead Orquesta’s exploration of the sublime mambo in all its depth and breadth. On this, their third album, they combine talents with Cuban lyricist, singer and composer Kiko Ruiz, who has toured and recorded with Pancho Amat’s illustrious Estrellas del Buena Vista Social Club as well as having a longstanding history as a singer, composer and arranger with Orquesta Maria Alejandra y Cubanía.

Grammy-winning Trumpeter, Composer, and Producer Nabaté Isles follows up his acclaimed 2018 release Eclectic Excursions with his second album - En Motion. Referencing the origins of Jazz as dance music, Isles seeks to bring that bounce that brings joy and movement back to the forefront. Blending 21st century sounds with improvisation, and looking to his influences of the late 20th century - Donald Byrd and The Blackbyrds, Quincy Jones, Tom Browne, Roy Ayers and The Roots - Nabaté promises an upbeat record for all to hear. The lineup is of course, stellar; the core band is Sam Barsh (also the album’s producer), Eric Harland, Kaveh Rastegar, David Gilmore, Rachel Eckroth, and guests include James Francies, Ben Wendel, Victor Provost, Sasha Berliner, Kenny Davis, Mark Williams, Butter, Allakoi Peete, Suphala and Raydar Ellis. Added featured performers are Badia Farha, MuMu Fresh, Kardinal Offishall and the iconic Chuck D.