An island cruise…
Cuban pianist Rafael Zalivar goes deep into the Afro-Cuban roots on this album that brings in lots of local percussion but also a slew of bopping guests. There’s plenty of vibrant chorals and solo voices as on tribal “Obbatala” and “A Pray” with Miguel Zenon bringing in his spicey alto sax. Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington adds to the free flowing “Baila Mi Changui” and slithers with Zalivar on “Guajiro” while Kurt Rosenwinkel adds guitar lyricism to “Dolor De Amar” Ingrid Jensen’s breathy horn is dreamy for “TiemTpos De Amar” and lots of percolating percussion is brought in by Amado Dedu Garcias, particularly on the dark “Eleggua”. Zalivar shows his bop chops on the swinging “Crying For Cuba” and driving “Alma” while his keys keep things on “Two Words”. Tropical breezes.
Haitian born and Canadian living vocalist Wesli brings in traditional material from his native island. Wesli also plays percussion and various guitars and banjo alon with percussionists including “Ronald Nazaire, keyboardist Pascal Laraque and a slew of backup singers. The songs are filled with passionate vocal harmonies and chants, as on the calypso’d “Makonay” and “Trouba Ewa”, sounding like field hollars for “Samba” and galloping on “Fe Yo We Kongo Banda”. Wesli brings in dark toned blues on “Simbi” and lilts to the reggae’d “Le Soleil Descend”. Warm nights on the island.