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Musician's Spotlight - Orquesta Akokán

Orquesta Akokán
Courtesy Orquesta Akokán
Orquesta Akokán

Assembled and led by Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, Orquesta Akokán is a big band collective of the finest musicians on the island, both young and old. It features all-original music and was cut live to tape over a three-day session at Havana’s hallowed state-run Estudios Areito. Areito is one of the longest operating studios in the world and where important Cuban records have been made. Trés guitar player and band producer Jacob Plasse joins host John Floridis by phone from his home in Brooklyn.

John Floridis, the host and producer of Musician's Spotlight, has been with Montana Public Radio since 1997. He has interviewed over 200 musicians during that time. He is also an independent recording and performing artist in his own right and a former registered music therapist.
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