LehCats Unleashes Fiery Live Album with Giovanni Hidalgo on Congas
Jazz fusion band LehCats is set to release a new live album, Live at the Breakroom, on March 20, 2026. The recording captures a high-energy performance from October 2024, featuring legendary conga player Giovanni Hidalgo as a special guest. His presence on the album adds explosive rhythms and fiery solos to the band's signature blend of jazz, funk, and Afro-Caribbean sounds.
LehCats was formed in 2015 by married musicians Karen and Norbert Stachel. Karen, a jazz flutist and vocalist from Fort Lewis, Washington, had previously led the Karen Anderson Jazztet in the 1990s. Norbert, a saxophonist and composer born in Vallejo, California, has worked with numerous artists over his career. The couple relocated to New York in 2002 before launching LehCats, which has since released two studio albums: Out of the Bag (2016) and Movement to Egalitaria (2018).
The new album was recorded live at the Breakroom in San Jose, California, on October 18, 2024. Unbeknownst to the band at the time, the performance was being captured for release. The set features 10 original compositions, all written by either Karen or Norbert Stachel. Hidalgo's contribution elevates the music, with his conga solos and dynamic interplay pushing the band's groove to new heights. Hidalgo, a renowned percussionist, has also collaborated with The John Santos Sextet, with an upcoming performance scheduled for March 1, 2026. His appearance with LehCats followed an invitation for two nights in the San Francisco Bay Area, solidifying his role as a key guest on the album.
Live at the Breakroom will be available from March 20, 2026, showcasing LehCats' tight musicianship and Hidalgo's electrifying presence. The album highlights the band's ability to merge complex rhythms with spontaneous improvisation. Fans can expect a raw, unfiltered live experience that captures the energy of that October night in San Jose.
