A Bridge Between Cultures

Pablo was the first musician I connected with, even before setting foot in Cuba. Introduced by my friend Arturo O’Farrill, our conversation flowed like music — and I knew right away: this was a friend for life.

Born in Oakland, California, Pablo is the son of American jazz and folk legend Barbara Dane. At just 14, he moved to Cuba to study at the National School of Art — and he’s called Havana home ever since.

Pablo is best known as the founder and leader of Mezcla, the iconic Afro-Cuban jazz-rock septet that has toured the globe and pushed boundaries for decades. His music fuses jazz, Cuban folklore, electric blues, and rock into a powerful, genre-defying sound.

As a teen, Pablo was the youngest member of Cuba’s Experimental Sound Collective (GES), led by Leo Brouwer, and helped shape the Nueva Trova movement alongside legends like Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés. Later, he would perform with jazz pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and even share the stage with Carlos Santana, who called Mezcla “my favorite band from Cuba.”

Pablo’s music has earned international acclaim, including a Grammy nomination and collaborations across continents. His work continues to inspire a new generation of Cuban and global musicians alike.

“Pablo isn’t just a musician — he’s a living link between traditions, nations, and souls through the language of jazz.” – Doc Jones