The definition of a 'big band' is 'a large group of musicians playing jazz or dance music'. Orquesta Akokan is, what you would call officially, a big band. At 13 members, the Latin jazz band is made up of the young, the old, all of whom are the finest musicians on the Cuban island.
Recorded at the historic Egrem Studios in Havana, 16 Rayos is the second album out from Orquesta Akokan. Led by singer Jose 'Pepito' Gomez, Chulo Records' Jacob Plasse and arranger Michael Eckroth, the band takes their musical cue from the sounds of the past, while continuing to push their voices into the present day.
Hear more from our featured Album of the Week by listening to KAXE/KBXE!
