Carlos Mena

Carlos Mena is a New York City based bassist, composer, and producer whose playing bridges Latin American folk traditions, jazz, and classical music. Born into a family of musicians, he began performing as a percussionist at age seven alongside South American folk artists before establishing himself on the NYC scene. His deep rhythmic foundation has led him to record and perform with Arturo O'Farrill's Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Buena Vista Social Club, Antonio Sanchez, Dave Liebman, and Jojo Mayer, as well as Latin pop and urban stars including Thalia, La India, and Willie Colon. In 2024 he released his debut album as a leader, Con Personas (With the People), a piano-bass-drums trio project that reimagines the music of the Ecuadorian Sierra through jazz and classical harmony.