Here’s a charming two disc set that spotlights various hues of the Cuban music spectrum. Nine different groups put together by the music of Timothy Lee Miller, Don Bowyer, Bunny Beck, John A Carollo, Margaret Brandman, Mel Mobley and Michael Murray are presented by various school groups recorded in Havana, Cuba. The music is conducted by Joaquin Betancourt, Alina Orraca and Wimia Verrier Quinones, and ranges from large orchestras to vocal chorales.
Lots of percussion is featured with piano on Bunny Becks’s three part “Jazz Instrumental Suite” while some Johnny Mathis-inspired vocals by Will Dailey spice up the “Jazz Vocal Suite.” The reeds and percussion have a fun field day on the five part “Burlesque” and the reeds are rich and velvety on the four part “Warm Winds In Havana.” Most intriguing are the collection of madrigals by Bourland with a glowing and almost liturgical effect, while Michal Murray’s “After The Fall” suite is almost Byzantine in presentation.
The mixture of various fragrances and spices make like you’re on a taxi ride through various neighborhoods, imbibing each personality.
Ansonica Records