Cuban big band Orquesta Akokán released their new album 16 Rayos last fall on Daptone Records, a triumphant follow up to their 2018 Grammy nominated debut. Led by dynamic lead singer and composer José “Pepito” Gómez, producer Jacob Plasse and arranger Michael Eckroth, and fused with the “island’s greatest instrumentalists” (New York Times) from storied groups including Irakere, NG La Banda, and Los Van Van, the band united in Havana once again to record 16 Rayos at Egrem Studios.
The cohesion forged by several years of international touring (including stops at Lincoln Center, WOMAD Australia and New Zealand, North Sea Jazz Festival, Festival Salsa al Parque, Kennedy Center and many more) blossomed into an intimate dialogue between good friends, allowing for fearless musical exploration, risk-taking, development and expression. Contemporary sensibilities, mixed with a deep spiritual reservoir and knowledge of folkloric traditions, propel the grooves into previously uncharted vistas while dismantling the conventions of what is considered mambo.
‘TOUR DATES
April 23 Hamilton, MT @ Hamilton Performing Arts Center
April 24 Seattle, WA @ Triple Door
April 25 Minneapolis, MN @ Dakota
April 26 Chicago, IL @ Epiphany Center for the Arts
April 27 Cincinnati, OH @ Memorial Hall
April 28 Cleveland, OH @ Music Box
April 29 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
April 30 Portsmouth, NH @ Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
May 3 Winston-Salem, NC @ The Ramkat
May 5 Miami, FL @ Arsht Center
May 11 Austin, TX @ Antone’s
May 12 Lufkin, TX @ Temple Theater
May 13 Black Mountain, NC @ LEAF Festival
May 15 Cape May, NJ @ Exit Zero Jazz Festival
