In an age where the boring and predictable would prefer artists remain in one little neat genre box category, there are thankfully those who refuse and still disparately dare. Artists who pay deference to legends who paved the way but would agree as Anthony Tabucchi stated that “the salt of any interesting civilization is mixture”. Bilingual, bicultural artists who expertly blend their influences in an intentional, interesting manner that are impossible to ignore. One such artist and producer heeding that call is Frank Maza. Raised between Madrid, Spain and Boston, Massachusetts and scholarly trained, his artistic offerings and production promisingly shows range beyond his years as one would be hard pressed to find someone else who’s bounced between electronic, R&B, jazz, flamenco, danzón, bolero-chachá and guaguancó in the same discography. Teaming up with his Latin Grammy Producer of the Year winning father Javier Limón, this natural partnership’s at its best on Frank’s latest album “Back Then”. Cleverly fusing and exploring the musical triangle of Cuban rhythms, flamenco and jazz, the effort features an all-star roster of greats- Chucho Valdés, Daymé Arocena, Iván “Melón” Lewis, Javier Limón, Reinier Elizarde “El Negrón,” Yuri Nogueira, Paúl Sánchez and Ayme Canto.

I recently connected with Frank as he continues his tour hitting legendary spots across the U.S. like LA’s The Mint (see him tonight), NYC’s Cafe Wah and Atlanta’s Eddie’s Attic to discuss his blended beginnings, working with Alejandro Sanz, Juan Luis Guerra, Chucho Valdes, WTF moments with gypsies in Spain, his production style, his plans for the future and more. Listen to the soundclips below and get tix to see Frank in the U.S. and Madrid HERE!