Juan Pastor releases first single, "Azúcar De Caña" from his upcoming album Cachito

Drummer and percussionist Juan Pastor’s fourth and latest release, Cachito, shines in its maturity and emotional depth. The album highlights not only Pastor’s unique artistic voice and compositional prowess, but also the musicianship of his collaborators, including core bandmates Dustin Laurenzi, Stu Mindeman, and Matt Ulery, as well as several additional special guests. Dedicated to Pastor’s late father Carlos, the album is an exploration of grief and loss, of acceptance, of steadfast courage.

Azúcar de Caña, originally composed by singer Daniel “Kiri” Escobar and arranged by pianist Stu Mindeman, evokes the sweetness of sharing the impermanence of life with friends. “My dad was always a people person,” Pastor explains, “always singing.” Tenor saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi and guest alto saxophonist Greg Ward contribute solos with fervent storytelling, accompanied by Pastor’s earthy drum grooves, and guest Flavio Donoso’s dance-like percussion.