Carlos Mena Releases Solo Debut, “Con Personas (With the People)”
Bassist Carlos Mena has launched his solo career with his debut album, Con Personas, which translates to “With The People.” Mena, who began his musical path as a percussionist with folk musicians in South America, created the album to blend music from the Ecuadorian Sierra with jazz and classical influences.
He assembled a trio with pianist Martha Kato and drummer Franco Pinna, inviting vocalist Katherine Yew for backgrounds for his own singing.
While this is his first album as a leader, Mena is an accomplished player on the New York City scene. He’s performed at Jojo Mayer, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Liebman, and more. He’s currently subbing for Bobby Wooten at Moulin Rouge on Broadway.
Check out Con Personas with this studio video of the title track based on the traditional Ecuadorian song “Carnaval de Guaranda”.
Con Personas (With the People) is out now digitally on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more.
Con Personas (With The People) Track List:
- Comenzar
- Doctor Tarantula
- Coraza
- Con Personas (With the People)
- Close to You (Bowls)
- Hidden Mountain
- Vuela
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
