Release date: 29.08.2024 on Pinch Recording
Bassist, composer , arranger and multi-instrumentalist Carlos Mena releases his debut album in trio format with Argentinian drummer Franco Pinna and Japanese pianist Martha Kato. All based in a Big Apple melting pot.
About The Recording
In 2021, Carlos Mena, bassist and composer based in New York City, created, and produced a musical album with the concept of blending music from the Ecuadorian Sierra with influences from jazz and classical music in a trio format of piano, bass, drums with guest vocals.
On February 28th, 2023, the music was recorded at Pinch Recording Studios in New York City with renowned musicians from the NYC scene. The record label Pinch Recording added and distributed Mena’s work. Finally, on March 1st, 2024, the album “Con Personas” debuted.
About Carlos Mena
Carlos comes from a family of musicians and continues to honour his family tradition to this day. He began playing music professionally as a percussionist when he was seven years old with acclaimed folk musicians from South America. He soon discovered his passion for the bass and made it his primary instrument upon which to hone his musicianship and technique. As a teenager, he received a scholarship to study in Switzerland at the Zurich University of the Arts, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Pedagogy. He continued his studies in New York City, where he received his Master of Arts in Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.
Carlos is a multi-instrumentalist who plays electric bass, acoustic bass, guitar, piano, voice, and small percussion. He is an accomplished soloist, arranger, music director, and composer and has become a highly sought-after performer, playing alongside many renowned musicians in NYC and abroad.
Carlos has performed at different venues such as: Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, David Rubinstein Atrium, Madison Square Garden, Kennedy Center, Jazz Night in America at the Apollo Theater, Staples Center L.A, Guitar Center L.A, Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, Billboard Awards in Miami, Carnegie Hall, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Dubai, etc. Now subbing for Bobby Wooten at Moulin Rouge on Broadway.
His debut album “Con Personas” “With the People” as a leader, composer and soloist is out now. Carlos has performed and recorded with: Jojo Mayer, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Liebman, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Don Omar, Mayito Rivera, Latin pop star Thalia among others.