Suenan Las Trompetas

Self-described ‘artist, musician, writer, explorer of himself and transcendence,’ Ricardo Jacob is a producer, composer and veteran of the progressive Mexican music scene known for his work with bands such as Los Importantes de la Noche, The Room Trio and La Escalera. His second solo album, Suenan Las Trompetas, combines stylistic ingredients from Ethiopia, Mali and Mozambique to create a Latin-tinged Afrofuturist vibe predominately featuring horns and woodwinds (trumpet, trombone, bassoon), as well as electric piano and drums, all of which are played by Jacob. A 60s/70s retro-funk groove runs through most of the material, particularly the title-track and ‘Inesperado’. Songs such as ‘Volando,’ ‘Es Agotador’ and ‘Baile’ percolate with a smoothly swinging Ethio-jazz ambience. On ‘Una Tarde’ Jacob evokes Frank Zappa’s tricky, polyrhythmic arrangements. For all its influences and internal twists, Suenan Las Trompetas delivers a bright, lush, delightfully Mexican listen.