PABLO Mezcla MENENDEZ: leader, guitar, vocals
Born in Oakland, California, he is the son of blues and jazz singer Barbara Dane. Living in Cuba since 1966, he has been an indelible part of many Cuban music scenes over the past decades: the Nueva Trova movement (Grupo de Experimentacin Sonora with Silvio Rodrguez and Pablo Milans), the jazz world (Sonido Contemporaneo at the old Club Rio with Gonzalo Rubalcaba and others), Afro-rock group Sntesis (with Carlos and Ele Alfonso) and more. On the basis of this rich experience, Pablo founded Mezcla in 1989.
OCTAVIO RODRIGUEZ: percussion and vocals
One of the first to develop the modern style of playing all three bat drums at once while singing at the same time, he is a true drum master, or Rumbero Mayor. He brings to the group his many years of experience playing in Afro-Cuban religious settings, carnivals and folkloric groups, and is one of the most respected percussionists in Cuba.
MAYQUEL (Michael) GONZALEZ: trumpet
Winner of the Gran Premio JoJazz, Mayquel is one of the most exciting young jazz players in Cuba. In addition to his work with Mezcla, he has toured with Chucho Valdes and Irakere, with Ernan Lopez-Nussa and Havana Report.
MAGELA HERRERA: Flute, piano and vocals
Youngest member of the band, she is already well known in Cuba for her astounding dynamics in jam sessions (descargas) alongside world class veteran players, where she holds her own with great poise and skill.
ORLANDO SANCHEZ: Tenor Saxophone
One of today's most innovative and prolific jazz composers, Orlando "Cubajazz" Snchez is a mythical figure of the sax in Cuba. His total ease and blazing speed with the most challenging chord changes, and his encyclopedic vocabulary of historical jazz standards can actually spook you as if he were channeling some of the legendary greats of bygone days.
EDUARDO BARRUETABENA: trap drums
Fresh from Cubas eastern provinces, he brings to the group his tremendous chops in all the old traditional styles, combined with an awareness of all the major current drummers on the world scene; a perfect blend for Mezclas stylistic range.
JOSE HERMIDA: bass
Without doubt, he is one of the steadiest of anchors for any musical format that one could imagine. At the same time, he is unquestionably one of the most original and virtuosic soloists on the electric bass of the last two or three generations of Cuban players.
