Besos Ocultos

MEDIA NOCHE features composer and multi-instrumentalist Doug Robinson, percussionists Victor Monterrubio and Mario Torres and bassist Rubén Olvera.

Based in the arts-oriented colonial town of San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico, they are a popular live draw thanks to their hip arrangements and originals which combine traditional Latin rhythms with Afro-Cuban, funk and other decidedly non-traditional elements.

Besos Ocultos is their first recorded compilation of music, and it is a spirited 50-minutes.

The core musicians shine on acoustic piano, organ, electric upright bass and timbales, cajón, congas and bongos. But there are also surprises on almost every track. Award-winning Mexican vocalist Iraida Noriega delivers a soulful bilingual interpretation of Buffalo Springfield’s iconic track “For What It’s Worth.” Cuban violinist Pedro Cartas smokes on the Danzón title track “Besos Ocultos”. Australian ex-pat David Scott turns in an emotional tenor sax solo on “NYBlues,” and former Ray Charles sideman Terry Townson contributes a silky-smooth flugelhorn performance on Robinson’s poignant composition “Coyote.” Finally, Greek trombone maestro Antonis Andreou burns on their arrangement of “Mr. Magic.”

Recorded mostly live in 2019 with minimal overdubs in top Mexican studios, Besos Ocultos is a debut that will not only make you wish you could catch the group live, but also imagining what these talented musicians will come up with next.