Bolivian Latin music, much like jazz, encompasses a wide range of styles and characteristics. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage of South American rhythms, pentatonic scales, horns and rich percussion sounds, the genre flourished as musicians in Bolivia blended diverse influences to create a unique musical identity. By now, Bolivian music rapidly spread across the country, and soon became a prominent force in the international music scene. This dynamic evolution has paved the way for exciting new voices, such as Dorian Mendez, the coolest jazz / Latin artist blending modern sounds with folk and choral fusion influences these days.
The Argentinean original music director and composer broke into the Bolivian music scene years ago by producing material with such artists as Grammy Winners Take 6, Marcos Witt, Dave Weckl, and Vladimir Suarez, as well as his own The Funky Tones, Orquesta De La Ciudad, 3DPASO, and Camerata Del Oriente, and collaborators Mila Magal, Vanessa Añez, Mayra Gonzales, Camerata Del Oriente, Maleja, and Carlos Fischer.
From ruthless hard hitting bass distortions riffs to harmonically-rich lullabies, Mendez’s music is diverse, challenging and surprising, keeping the listener on his toes. He has been presenting his latest works at numerous notable Bolivian venues, at their most intriguing events. These included numerous concerts at Na Cunna Cochabamba, Teatro Municipal Alberto Saavedra La Paz, Meraki Teatro Santa Cruz, Los Tajibos, Fexpocruz International Main Stage, Don Bosco Coliseum, Santa Cruz de la Sierra Main Square, Villa Fraterna Plaza, La Muela Del Diablo Cochabamba, Instituto Canzion Concert Hall, Alma Libre, Tapekua Bistrot, and Simon Patiño Cultural Centre.
Drawing from the complex harmonies, infectious rhythms, and improvisational spirits from his orchestras and combo ensembles, this Fender Day Festival, Instituto Canzion World Congress, Sarai Drum Fest, and even Shakira’s Concert (as an opening act) star looks sure to continue to sustain his blossoming reputation within the contemporary music as an industry leader through his emotionally-provocative, down to earth Latin-jazz inspired sound.