What makes Akokan by Roberto Fonseca notable?

Akokan received critical acclaim for its rich musical tapestry and was featured prominently in the Latin jazz scene, helping Fonseca gain international recognition. The album's ability to bridge genres led to features in several world music festivals, further enhancing its impact within and beyond the Latin jazz community. Released in 2009, Akokan marks Roberto Fonseca's third studio album, following his acclaimed work on Zamazu in 2007. At this point in his career, Fonseca was establishing himself as a prominent figure in Latin jazz, blending various musical influences while showcasing his virtuosic piano skills. This album solidified his reputation for innovative compositions and deep cultural connections.

How many songs are on Akokan?

Akokan has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Akokan

Roberto Fonseca · 2009

55 min · 13 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of traditional Cuban rhythms and contemporary jazz elements that invites listeners to dance and reflect.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lo Que Me Hace Vivir — This track highlights Fonseca's ability to weave intricate melodies with heartfelt expression, showcasing both technical prowess and emotional depth.
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Siete Potencias (Bu Kantu) — Incorporating Afro-Cuban religious themes, this track offers a rhythmic complexity that reflects the cultural richness of Cuban heritage.
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Everyone Deserves a Second Chance — This composition stands out for its hopeful message and dynamic arrangement, blending jazz improvisation with a pop sensibility that broadens Fonseca's appeal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

A vibrant blend of Cuban rhythms and jazz elements, showcasing strong composition and craft.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms that are characteristic of Cuban music, layered with contemporary jazz harmonies.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between instruments, creating a dynamic interplay that engages the listener.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's vibrant energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Fragmento De Misa 0:38
2 Lo Que Me Hace Vivir 5:14
3 Drume Negrita 6:35
4 Siete Potencias (Bu Kantu) 5:13
5 Bulgarian 4:31
6 Cuando Uno Crece 6:16
7 Lento Y Despacio 4:00
8 Como En Las Peliculas 6:35
9 Pequenos Viajes 0:41
10 La Flor Que No Cuidé 6:15
11 El Ritmo De Tus Hombros 2:59
12 Everyone Deserves a Second Chance 6:04
13 Cuando Una Madre Llama a Su Hijo 0:47

What to play next

Full Roberto Fonseca discography Artists like Roberto Fonseca

Latin jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata