Recording Projects
*all physical CDs can be purchased directly from Michael or Joe, or digitally at iTunes and Amazon*
Bakini - En El Nuevo Mundo
Bakini (released in 2017) truly represents our overriding artistic concept and vision. It consists of three full-length suites, each firmly rooted in Afro-Cuban folkloric rhythms and songs. Yet the arrangements draw from a variety of musical landscapes and sonic palates, as we incorporate marimbas, vibraphone, orchestral percussion, Brazilian and African percussion instruments, steelpans, woodwinds, brass, and even strings to help us tell our musical story. The end result is a journey through a myriad of genres and decades of the African musical diaspora.
The project features several special guest artists, including both Jesus Diaz (el unico!) and Mike Mixtacki on vocals, as well as Scott Kettner and Kristin Olson on percussion.
Watch the full interview with Michael and Joe!
In 2010, we formed our band Ritmos Unidos. We chose the name to help celebrate our diverse musical backgrounds and interests. Our sound was a musical potpourri of African diasporic genres (American funk and jazz, Cuban folklore and timba, Brazilian samba, and Trinidadian calypso) which we blended together to create our signature style. We released two critically acclaimed CDs during our tenure, and traveled extensively across the United States performing concerts and workshops of our music.
¡Funklorico!
Ritmos Unidos’ very first collaboration: ¡Funklorico! was released in 2012. This CD launched our recording efforts and brought our unique sound to national attention. Our Afro-Cuban folkloric/Latin jazz version of Jimi Hendrix’ “Third Stone from the Sun” was quintessential Ritmos Unidos!
To buy the album, email Michael or Joe
Ritmos Unidos
With the addition of Wayne Wallace and guest appearances by Liam Teague and Kevin Bobo, our self-titled second project (2014) refined and honed our sound. Ritmos Unidos received a great deal of international critical acclaim, and it remains in radio rotation on jazz stations throughout the world.