Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics, Bite of the Street Review

by Brice Boorman

Bite of the Street, the latest release from Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics under Nefarious Industries, bursts onto the scene with an eclectic blend of Latin, world, jazz, progressive rock, and electronic beats. Released on September 29, 2023, the album showcases Gollehon’s daring approach to genre fusion, featuring contributions from seasoned musicians who lend their talents to an already vibrant canvas. Gollehon’s iconic trumpet stands at the center of this multi-dimensional project, offering listeners a journey that’s as culturally rich as it is musically adventurous.

Gollehon’s illustrious career, which includes work on over two hundred gold and platinum albums, is evident in the sophistication and complexity woven into each track. The album serves as a celebration of musical diversity, melding Latin grooves, the harmonic depth of jazz, the boldness of progressive rock, and the rhythmic punch of electronic beats. This ambitious synthesis of styles highlights Gollehon’s mastery, particularly his ability to navigate the intersections of different genres while maintaining a cohesive and accessible sound.

Opening the album with undeniable flair, “Souled Out” sets the tone for the wild ride ahead. The central riff, led by Gollehon’s trumpet, establishes a groove that begs you to move. Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms pulse beneath the surface, enriched by syncopated percussion that infuses the track with an infectious, sensual energy. Brenner’s sound effects further enhance the atmosphere, seamlessly blending with the live instruments to create a multi-layered soundscape. This track serves as an introduction and a statement—Gollehon’s imaginative improvisation and bold fusion of styles make it clear that listeners are in for a genre-bending experience. Gollehon’s trumpet playing is melodic and playful, making you want to dance.

With an undeniable energy that echoes the exuberance of 1970s disco, “Coming At You” is a world music track that combines robust horn arrangements, swirling keyboards, and creative sound effects by Brenner. The track captures Gollehon’s signature ability to blend Latin rhythms with EDM and jazz harmonic colors to meld these genres into a seamless whole, and it’s this quality that makes the track infectious. The interplay between Gollehon’s jazzy trumpet solo and the Latin-inspired rhythm section creates a vibrant atmosphere, while Sanchez’s percussion and Carno’s drums provide an unshakable foundation under the swirling EDM textures.

The title says it all—”High Drama” is pure, high-octane drama. Sanchez’s percussion and Carno’s driving drums create an intense backdrop, while Klaastad’s bass anchors the groove with energetic and harmonic precision. Gollehon’s trumpet, enhanced by a subtle reverb, alternates between fiery intensity and muted subtleties, especially in the second section, where a harmon mute transforms the mood. The piece’s progression, punctuated by Brenner’s funky sound effects, builds to a crescendo that leaves listeners breathless, with Gollehon’s final soaring note echoing in the air.

“Sleepwalker” adds a different flavor to the album, leaning into rock and jazz-fusion territory with a catchy guitar figure, driving rock drums, and Gollehon’s improvisational trumpet lines. The electronic textures in the middle section introduce a ’70s jazz vibe, adding a nostalgic yet forward-thinking twist. The blend of styles here, from rock to jazz to electronica, feels effortless—yet another example of Gollehon’s uncanny ability to make diverse genres speak a common language.

This album is a musical dialogue of cultural influences of Latin, Afro-Cuban, and world music traditions, seamlessly integrating them into a modern jazz and electronic framework. Gollehon’s music doesn’t just reference these traditions; it reimagines them in a way that speaks to today’s musical settings, creating a rich tapestry of sound that’s relevant to a global audience. The fusion of these genres creates a fresh sonic landscape, underscoring Gollehon’s deep respect for tradition and his desire to push boundaries.

Bite of the Street is a significant contribution to the ever-evolving genre of world fusion, pushing beyond traditional boundaries to encompass a wider world of musical influences. Gollehon’s ability to incorporate Latin rhythms, Afro-Caribbean beats, and electronic soundscapes into his jazz-based compositions places this album at the forefront of modern world fusion, a genre in constant flux. His trumpet leads with his technical skill and ability to tell a story that transcends genre.

From the adrenaline rush of tracks like “Souled Out” to the rock vibes of “Sleepwalker,” this album covers a broad emotional spectrum. Gollehon has curated a set of tracks that build upon each other, guiding the listener through a carefully constructed narrative. Each song feels like a new chapter, with distinct emotional highs and reflective lows, culminating in an album offering a listening experience and an emotional journey. Each musician, from Klaastad’s bass to Sanchez’s percussion, plays a crucial role in supporting Gollehon’s improvisational leads. The album’s production quality deserves special mention—engineers like Adan Perez and Dan Grigsby, along with Bruce A. Miller’s mastering, have ensured that every sound, whether acoustic or electronic, resonates with clarity and depth.

In Bite of the Street, Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics have delivered an album that is a celebration of cultural diversity through musical fusion. Gollehon’s ability to blend Latin, world, jazz, and electronic styles into a cohesive whole makes this album a standout in the modern world fusion genre. With its infectious grooves, stunning trumpet work, and genre-defying compositions, it’s an album that invites you to dance, reflect, and—most importantly—listen.