Oddara (Linus)

Oddara (Linus)

Jane Bunnett & Maqueque 

Released October 14, 2016

Grammy Nominee Best Latin Jazz Album 2018

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nnqETIyyy7am45uldek8L2fKzqLnneRhI

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/3BS7Zfw65aibJvJpuusPus?si=kt5Nvh2ySUOb2HbS2TdE2Q

About:

Jane Bunnett’s continuing quest to seek out and present musical talent untapped and unheard beyond the confines of the island nohas led her down many roads, and it was during a trip 30 years ago to Havana, Cuba she discovered then-unknown musicians and formed the all-star ensemble Maqueque (pronounced “Mah-Keh-Keh”, meaning “the energy of a young girl’s spirit.”) Their 2014 self-titled debut CD was awarded a much-deserved Juno Award for Best Group Jazz Album of the Year.

Jane Bunnett’s assembly of all-star Cuban musicians, the sextet which includes herself and five extraordinary young females, ensured a spotlight for their fluid, seamless music.  “Everything I’ve done,” Jane says with pride, “has led up to this group, which is the perfect vehicle for now.”  Maqueque currently includes Yissy Garcia on drums, Dánae Olano on piano, Magdelys Savigne on batá drums and congas, Elizabeth Rodriguez on violin and vocals and Celia Jiménez on bass. Maqueque often features guest stars Melvis Santa on percussion and vocals, as well as Dayme Arocena assisting vocals. With cover art by Spain’s most-famous and successful designers, Javier Mariscal, “Oddara” fills the air with intoxicating spirit of joy and electricity, and live, their shape-shifting enthusiasm is contagious, thrilling audiences in clubs and festivals throughout North America.

Track Listing:

1. Little Feet (For Cassie & Kerry) (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 4:15

2. Dream (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 4:35

3. El Chivo (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 5:56

4. New Moves (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 4:06

5. Song for You (Leon Russell) 5:44

6. Power of Two (Ibeyi) (Melvis Santa) 5:01

7. La Flamenca Maria (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 6:56

8. Eulogy (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 4:35

9. Tres Golpes-Pa Eleggua (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 3:40

10. Changui del Guaso (Yissy García Calzadilla) 4:20

11. Café Pilon (Jane Bunnett / Celia Jimenez / Danae Olano / Magdelys Savigne) 4:42

Personnel:

Jane Bunnett: saxofone soprano, flute, whistle

Dánae Olano: piano, vocals

Celia Jiménez: bass, vocals

Magdelys Savigne: percussion, vocals

Yissy Garcia: drums

Elizabeth Rodriguez: violin, vocals

Recorded Canterbury Music Company, Toronto

Producer: Larry Cramer

Engineers: Jeremy Darby, Julian Decorte

Mixing and Mastering: David Travers-Smith

Photography: George Gardiner

Cover Art: Javier Mariscal

Review:

There has been a constant stimulating fascination associated with Cuba that has attracted numerous jazz musicians to delve deeper into its musical traditions. Also, judging by the amount of recent recordings by Cuban artists, and those who feature them in collaborative efforts, the island sustains its status as a vital source of inspiration on the global jazz scene. Cuba captivated saxophonist/flautist Jane Bunnett many years ago, eventually leading her to form the all-female group Maqueque in 2013, culminating in a well received, self-titled record the following year. Oddara expands upon the Afro-Cuban format established on the first record, and further exhibits the collective talent which comprises the group.
The clever utilization of upbeat vocal dynamics opens the set with “Little Feet,” Bunnett entwining her soprano around the joyous chorus led by Melvis Santa, augmented by the deft violin work of Elizabeth Rodriguez. The light hearted direction continues on the “Dream,” which takes a surprising turn into a Cuban son. The essential clave introduces the rumba oriented “El Chivo,” Bunnett switching over to flute for a distinct charanga feel. Kudos on this track to pianist Danae Olano, who establishes her credentials as a formidable player with an expert grasp of the montuno, and percussionist Magdelys Savigne, a superb rumbera in her own right.

They slip into a modern groove on “25 New Moves,” and as the surprise of the project, Leon Russell’s classic “Song For You,” is given a fresh atmospheric arrangement, courtesy of lead vocalist Dayme Arocena, and an inspiring vocal choir backing. “Power of Two,” is a reflective study of Cuban Santeria, and the perennial danzon is realized on “La Flamenca Maria,” immersed in traditional Spanish splendor and grace. This is a tale of a gypsy fortune teller, a mysterious woman with strange powers to predict the romantic future. The Caribbean syncopation of “Eulogy,” has Bunnett stepping into the improvisational spotlight with her sax, as the vocals take it back to the streets of La Habana. 
In the Santeria religion, the deity Eleggua, is one of the most powerful, recognized as the opener of doors and also as a trickster. “Trés Golpes -Pa Eleggua,” is a three part mini-suite, which traverses the spiritual plane with determination in honor of this transcendent being. The rural roots of the folkloric changui rhythms dominate “Changui del Guaso,” where pianist Olano again demonstrates her ability to propel the melody against the fierce vocal and percussion onslaught. The famous Cuban coffee “Café Pilon,” is the subject of the final track, performed with street carnival flair and attitude, and with a strong dose of humor.
Though Jane Bunnett is obviously the leader, the ladies of Maqueque are a powerful ensemble which can play this music with the authority required. In Cuba, music is intrinsically connected with culture and heritage, the contagious rhythms and vocal incantations being a way of life celebrated with each performance. Bunnett has immersed herself into this phenomenon, and has put it on full display with this production, as the adventure continues.

James Nadal (All About Jazz)