Search - Pablo Menendez :: Havana Blues Mambo

Cuban Blues, has come a long way!

Oswald Placeres | Netherlands | 08/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the first CD's that blends the true Cuban folklore and the American blues, it's amazing how much both have in common. The compositions are very good; they remind me of a group back in the late 60's and early 70's from Tampa Florida "Blues Image" They were the first to combine Cuban music with the American rock. Also Pablo Menendez (from Mezcla) played with Carlos Santana once, and some of the Santana sound is reflected here. Apparently this is what the Santana Band would have sounded like if they would have continued together! Even Carlos Santana in an interview with the San Francisco Examiner stated that Mezcla was his favorite band from Cuba. Another individual who is bringing Latin rhythms into the blues is John Mayall and the New Blues Breakers Band. Any way if you like to experiment with Afro Cuban Jazz & Blues this is a good CD to start with. I recommend the following bands: Blues Image, Papo's Blues(from Argentina)Rock band, Cubanismo in New Orleans(Mardi Gras Mambo),Charlie Musselwhite(Continental Drifter),John Mayall(Padlock on the Blues and Stories),Benites & Nebula (Night Life),and of course the first three albums(Santana,Abraxas,Santana III) from the original Santana band, you will not be disappointed!"