Jazzism, the Netherlands’ leading jazz magazine, has reviewed Raíces, the debut album by Mexican double bassist Ben García and saxophonist Lucas Martínez, featuring Antonio Sánchez on drums and Marco Mezquida on piano. The review by Serge Julien was published on September 22, 2026.
“An exciting dialogue between Mexico and Catalonia from the international jazz tradition.”
Serge Julien · JAZZISM
What Jazzism says
Julien describes Raíces as a reflection on identity and on the lasting influence of the places you come from. With jazz and improvisation as a common language, he writes, the duo builds a bridge between Mexico City and Barcelona in six original compositions.
He singles out “Morriña”, “charged with emotion and energy, inspired by longing and homesickness”, and describes García as a strong presence on double bass and Martínez as a storyteller on saxophone. His conclusion: “It is not about virtuosity, but emotion.” He also highlights Antonio Sánchez, “one of the most important and respected drummers of his generation”, and Marco Mezquida’s lyrical, harmonically rich piano.
Read the full review on Jazzism.nl (in Dutch) →
About Raíces
Raíces was released on May 1, 2026, on digital and vinyl. Six open compositions between contemporary jazz and improvisation, with guitarist Dariel Peniazek as a special guest on “La Plaza”. Get it on Bandcamp, the platform that pays independent musicians best.
