Carlos Mena comes from a family of musicians and continues to honor his family tradition to this day. He began his professional music career as a percussionist at age seven, performing with acclaimed folk musicians from South America. However, he soon discovered a passion for the bass and decided to focus on honing his skills and technique on this instrument. As a teenager, he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Zurich University of the Arts in Switzerland, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music and Pedagogy. He later pursued further studies in New York City, obtaining his Master of Arts in Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.
Carlos has performed and recorded with a plethora of artists including Jojo Mayer, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Liebman, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Don Omar, Mayito Rivera, and Latin pop star Thalia. In 2021, he created and produced an album that blends music from the Ecuadorian Sierra, jazz and classical influences. The album features a trio format of piano, bass, and drums with guest vocals. The music was recorded at Pinch Recording Studios in New York City in February 2023, with several renowned musicians from the NYC scene. Finally, the album “Con Personas” debuted on March 1st, 2024.
His debut album “Con Personas” “With the People” as a leader, composer, and soloist is out now.
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Image provided courtesy of Christian DiGirolamo
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