Orquesta Akokan "Caracoles" [Blue Vinyl]

A contemporary record, but one with a very timeless vibe – music that seems to evoke a vintage Havana, almost in the years before the revolution – as Orquesta Akokan deliver a wicked mix of percussion, basslines, and horns – all topped with fantastic vocals from Kiko Ruiz and a few other singers! Arrangements are by pianist Michael Eckroth, who's got a nicely bold approach – and the group also features tres from producer Jacob Plasse – but it may well be the strong use of tenor and alto saxes that really send things over the top – cutting a nice edge next to the more familiar trumpets and trombones for such a group, and really opening up the jazzy potential in the music! Ruiz is fantastic too – a hell of a singer with a wickedly fluid, musical vibe – and titles include "Pan Con Tibiri", "La Fiera", "Pregonero", "Dona Felipa", "Flor De Mi Campo", "Con Licencia", and "Suave Suave".