Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkesta @ The Rialto

Indie-Mambo is a great characterization for the twelve plus members band Y La Orkesta. Originally from Tucson, Arizona Y La Orkesta’s members are primarily from two local bands The Jons and Seven to Blue. Y La Orkesta slam dunk the resurrection of Perez Prado’s sound, Sergio’s greatest influence that fearlessly created Mambo by combining traditional Cuban rhythms with the swing of American Jazz, and Big Band harmonic sophistications. Unlike revival Mambo from the 1990’s, Y La Orkesta maintains their influence from 1940’s and 1950’s Jazz by utilizing tight percussion and high register trumpets. Deftly, Sergio Mendoza masters the fevered complexities of Mambo to infuse it with the jangly funkiness of modern rock. The result is thick, luscious arrangements that are killer on the dance floor because of their fire-cracking crisp beats and unconventional guitar work. Impressive work for a band that was recently formed (they played their first show December 29th, 2008 with Calexico) but have been playing gigs concurrently in different projects for 10 years. Each of the twelve musicians bestows profuse professionalism and craft to Y La Orkesta merging their individual backgrounds and influences seamlessly. Y La Orkesta has played a number of shows with Calexico, recently in Phoenix at Heritage Square April 4th, 2009. They also have opened up for Ozomatli in Tucson at the Rialto Theatre April 10th. And most recently played in Flagstaff with Calexico again April 11th at the Orpheum. Y La Orkesta is recording their first studio album. They are planning their first European tour in 2010.

Presented by The Rialto Theatre (http://www.rialtotheatre.com/)

$10 general admission advance

* prices may be subject to service fees