Grupo Mango was formed in the Paris region by Colombian saxophonist and singer Otto Palma Jr. and pianist Thierry Nago. Their first album, Keskya!, was released in 2002, and blends Latin rhythms, the Caribbean and Africa in a joyous fusion that is never gloomy. The songs are sung in Spanish and French, and behind them, we find bassist Jean-Luc Arstand, already heard with Hervé Laval and Mike Clinton, well-known guitarist Yvon Rosillette, and Jérôme Castry on drums, among many others. I have a soft spot for the mischievous guajira of ‘Métro’, but the whole album is a guaranteed evening success!
And don’t forget, be careful getting out of the metro!
