El Año Viejo In Review
2021 was a year of ups and downs. Alex gave us “Mendó” with all the messages of hope and encouragement amidst uncertainty and isolation.
Ups included; writing and recording from home where Alex collaborated in the distance and released singles with featured artists; Gian Marco, Raul Midón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Cimafunk, Antonio Carmona and Lila Downs. The first single, “Mundo Nuevo” feat. Lila Downs , was chosen for KCRW’s Todays Top Tune and was in #3 on their Best of 2021 Today’s Top Tunes!
Alex’s favourite part of recording this year was the variety and creativity that came out in the writing and the songs that emerged. “Camina Y Ven” written with Raul Midón wants to inspire to rejoice, equal to “Mírame” feat. Gilberto Santa Rosa – two different genres but both uplifting and bright. Working with a jazz band in Havana for three songs contribute a texture that completed a jazz influence that has been with Alex Cuba since his first album “Humo De Tabaco”. “Mendó” traveled the world on jazz charts and stations to Alex’s surprise but recognizes that love began in Cuba in his youth. NPR included “Mendó” as one of the Top Latin Albums of 2021.
In May the Grammy Museum placed Alex’s outfit on display from the Grammy performance of 2020 where Sublime was Nominated for Best Singer-Songwriter Album and Alex performed the single “Esta Situación“.
In September “Mendó” was Nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Singer Songwriter Album. In October Alex performed for the Latin Heritage Awards in a tribute to Santana as he received a lifetime achievement Award. An November “Mendó” was nominated for a Grammy in the Latin Pop category.
Of the downs; plans to tour and play live shows were put off yet again in 2021, cautious in the uncertainty of travel. Staying close to home and promoting online was more challenging and gave a sense of being on pause part of the year, until some shows were able to go ahead in October and November. That “zero to one hundred” feeling was emotional and reflected in the overall feelings many are having with the stop/start of the world under pandemic response and extreme weather restrictions.
Moving into 2022 on a positive note, 2021 indeed was a balancing of good and bad -and the lyrics to “Mundo Nuevo” point the way – “De todo lo malo viene algo triste y algo bueno” – (All Suffering Has Some Sadness and Some Light). Alex moves into the light of the New Year with renewed hope and of course music, the product of not touring extensively – more writing happens. Wishing all the Best For the New Year. Hope to see you on the road beginning in March in Alberta and Saskatchewan and then the US in April through June!! Stay up to date with a follow on Bands in Town
