Jacob Plasse is the producer of—and a musician in—the critically acclaimed Cuban big band, Orquesta Akokán and he is my guest on this episode.
Jacob and the group found great success with their first self-titled, Grammy nominated album and they have returned with another electrifying set of tunes highlighting and elevating their love of Cuban music, specifically within the mambo genre. The new LP is titled, 16 Rayos.
Jacob tells us about the dedicated cast of characters involved in this project and he takes us on a deeper dive into what mambo really is. We also discuss how Plasse captured the authentic mambo sound that was so prevalent in pre-revolution Cuba and what it was like recording this album on location in the country’s famed and state-run, Egrem Studios.
It’s curious that in our day and age, a time when we have immediate access to so much culture, that most of us stay focused on the same old familiar performers and genres. When was the last time you really challenged yourself to listen to something out of your comfort zone, perhaps something in another language? Exercises like this are important for any music lover, so if you’re due for such a foray, then Orquesta Akokán might be just what the doctor ordered. And if that’s what your doctor ordered, then you’ve also got a pretty cool doctor.
Evan Toth is a songwriter, professional musician, educator, radio host, avid record collector, and hi-fi aficionado. Toth hosts and produces The Evan Toth Show and TVD Radar on WFDU, 89.1 FM. Follow him at the usual social media places and visit his website.
