One of the best, and most overlooked presenters of Cuban music, Jane Bunnett, delivers another thrilling album with her band Maqueque on this latest release. -What makes this album so special is the inclusion of Zimbabean vocalist Joanna Majoko along with her team of violinist Daniela Olano, guitarist Donna Grantis, along with Danae Olano/p, Yissy Garia/dr, Tailin Marrero/b and Mary Paz/perc mixing rich tribal grooves, modern jazz harmonies and glorious vocals.
Bunnett’s flute is exciting over Olano’s bebopping read of Bud Powell’s “Tempus Fugitt”, mixing 52 Street and Calle Ocho. The percussion rumbles under Majoko’s melding of her voice with flute on “Turquois Tongues” while the band claps with Marrero and the woodwinds on the wild and fun “Jump Monk”. Bunnett’s soprano sax dances to the bopping “Daniela” and rocks with the electric guitar on the raucous dance of “10”. Soft and sauntering pulses simmer under Majoko on “Bolero Un Sueno” while a vocal chant sizzles on the rubato, reminiscent of Paul at the Mars Hill on “A God Unknown”. Dreamy ripples and flute stream with Majoko on “Sierra” and the team simmers to a clever bass solo on “Human Race”. Another strong addition to Ms. Bunnett’s overflowing catalogue.