One of the overlooked wonders of jazz is Jane Bunnett, who has dedicated her career to bringing the intoxicating mix of Afro-Cuban sounds with post bop jazz. These two releases reveal her most recent and most famous releases.
The all-female group Maqueque has been Bunnett’s staple for a couple of years, and it still sounds fresh and exciting. Bunnett leads the team of Danae Olano/p, Celia Jimenez/b, Magdelys Savigne/perc, Yissy Garcia/dr and Elizabeth Rodriguez/vio and vocalists Melvis Santa/Dayme Arocena through a mix of traditional folk and modern pieces. Her flute floats on an intriguing read of Leon Russell’s “Song For You” while she dances with the rhythm on ”Tres Golpes-Pa Eleggua.” The tribal “El Chivo” includes catchy piano and percussion while the earthy vocals are irresistible on “Power of Two.” The team gets modal with the leader on soprano sax on “Eulogy” and the mod is infectious on “Little Feat” defying you to sit still. Still progressing after all these years.
Her “classic” Spirits of Havana album from 25 years ago has improved with age. Co-lead with Larry Cramer/tp-fh, the team of the future stars Gonzalo Rubalcaba/p, Hilario Duran/p along with Kieran Overs/b, Ahamed Barroso/g and an avalanche of percussionists & vocalists create an irresistible mix of folk sounds and post modern harmonies. Bunnett’s flute is fragrant with the rich percussion on “Hymn” and the tender “Ochun” while Rubalcalba’s piano does wonders teamed up with the traditional vocals and chorus. The festive “Yo Siempre Oddara” is a timeless joy, while Cramer goes dizzy on the sizzling bop and Cuban mix of “Epistrophy.”
The second disc consists of the Chamolongo album of 5 years later, which includes Yosvany Terry/ts and Hilario Duran/p along with a rich collection of vocalists and percussionists. The rich vocals of Gregorio Hernandez and Ernesto Gatell are earthy n the celebrative “Mondango” and folk village themed “Yambu” whle the Afro Cuban percussion forms an avalanche while the reeds form a dramatic stampede during “San Lazaro.” Bunnett’s soprano cries on the dramatic “Avisale” and sears on “Freedom At Last.” This music is as fresh as bread from the early morning bakery, and just as tasty!
Linus Records