Pablo Menendez & Mezcla
I’ll See You In Cuba
Zoho Records
www.zohomusic.com
By George W. Harris

Guitarist Pablo Menendez proudly proclaims in the liner notes to his
latest release that “for those who think Cuban music is only Salsa,
Timba or Mambo, this recording will challenge, rock or annoy you!”

He definitely breaks down barriers on this forward thinking disc. At
times, you’ll think you’re listening to some Return To Forever (“Big
Brecker”) or some Santana (“Oslo”) as the music goes from fusion to
progressive to rock without batting an eye. Then, he and his flexibly
free form band do a Latinized take of “Round Midnight” that will just
knock your socks off with its sensuous groove and Menendez’ floating
guitar work. The seldom heard Irving Berlin tune “I’ll See You In Cuba”
has some cooking trumpet work by Mayquel Gonzalez, while Magela
Herrera’s flute on “Quien Tiene Ritmo” (based on “I Got Rhythm”) is
wondrous and poignant. Definitely genre bending, but accessible as
well.