Jane Bunnett and Maqueque: On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme

Canadian Jane Bunnett has carved out an impressive career not only as a master of the flute and soprano sax, but has successfully used her talents to propagate the sounds of Afro Cuban joy. Her latest ensemble of the past few years, Maqueque, has released consistently strong material, with this latest outing emphasizing folk sounds.

The team of Bunnett with Danae Olano/p-voc, Tailin Marrero/b-voc, Yissy Garcia/dr, Mary Paz/perc-voc and vocalist Jonna Majoko are joined by guest alumnus  Dayme Arocena as well as Melvis Santa and Nicole Nikki D Brown. Bunnett’s flute runs with the exciting rumble on “La Linea” and “M<omentum” while “Monkey See Monkey Do” is a fun and winsome chorus. Clapping hands beat out a rivulet with voice and flute on”The Occurance” and Marrero’s bass leads the way on the exotic “Mystery Of Jane’s House.” With Bunnett’s soprano,the band percolates on the post bop “On Firm Ground” and gets dreamy with lush voices on”Sky Hight.” Drum beats and traditional ricochets  creat dark shades on “Broken Heart” and get celebrative on ”Pa’ Con Paz.” These original compositions keep a sense of folklore as well as a pulse of modern sensibilities. Another great volume in Bunnett’s catalogue of music con alma.