Mana had long been one of my favorite bands when CMH/Snake Machine Records asked my business partner, Charlie Dahan, and I to produce the tribute CD. I find the melodies written by the group to be first rate and easily lend themselves to interpretation. I had been entertaining the idea of writing reggae arrangements of Mana classics like Cuando Los Angeles Lloran for quite some time; the CMH/Snake Machine project was the perfect vehicle for such takes.

Charlie and I have produced a number well-known reggae and ska CDs including Hi-Bop Ska by the legendary Jamaican group, The Skatalites. This genre is deeply rooted in our souls. We were introduced to the music and taught its subtleties by its pioneers: Tommy McCook, Roland Alphonso, Lester Sterling, Prince Buster, Monty Alexander, Toots and The Maytals. McCook used to say to me, “If the melody is strong, the ska will swing.” He was, of course, absolutely right. The melodies written by Olvera and Gonzalez are brilliant, accessible yet profound. They bounce atop the reggae and ska beats, just like McCook said they would.

It was of paramount importance that the vocal performances respect the originals sung by Mana. Inflections and pronunciations had to be perfect, soulful. For that, only the best multi-lingual singers in New York could be trusted. Three were chosen: Amanda Homi, Abigail Velazquez and Jenny O. These three women each possess the God-given talent to combine precision and passion. The arrangements contained on Tributo A Mana come to life through rich voices of Amanda Homi, Abigail Velazquez and Jenny O. I am very proud of the work of these three fine singers and I listen to this album still.

It was a pleasure producing the CD for CMH/Snake Machine. The label should be applauded for it vision. It was truly an honor for me to be involved as producer of Tributo A Mana. I am grateful to CMH/Snake Machine for the opportunity and I sincerely hope that Mana fans the world over enjoy the music.

Peace. Joe Ferry, producer New York, 2005.

Click here to see the amazing work Ferry put into "Destinacion Nada: Tributo A Mana"... Destinacion Nada: Tributo A Mana