JANE BUNNETT
& THE SPIRITS OF HAVANA
Ritmo + Soul
Blue Note
72432-24456-2-2

"Afro-Cuban" is quickly becoming a buzz word in American music. The fascination with this intensely emotional and rhythmically complex blanket genre is evidenced on jazz radio, TV commercials, and seemingly everywhere we look. That is why an artist such as Jane Bunnett is so important-she shows real substance, not just a passing fancy with the latest marketing trend.

Since 1992 the Canadian saxophonist/flautist and trumpeter/husband Larry Cramer have been recording Cuban-inspired jazz. They have approached their work as explorers, eager to learn from their trips to Cuba and work with master Cuban musicians. This has always been obvious in their music; they are content to take a back seat when necessary to let those musicians who have grown up immersed in the Afro-Cuban aesthetic demonstrate that fact. Yet the two have always added their own spices, making the music more than just Afro-Cuban or Latin Jazz.

With her latest release, Ritmo + Soul, Jane has brought together many of the artists from her recent past to form the core of her 10-piece ensemble. The album shows an incredible fluidity from the percussion section, which includes for the first time African instruments such as the kalimba. Ms. Bunnett was wise in taking her group on the road for three months before recording the album, producing an ease in playing and degree of comfort that cannot be done without some time to cultivate.

Also brilliant on Ritmo + Soul are some outstanding voices. Here is where the Soul side of the album is most prevalent. New Yorker Dean Bowman is showcased throughout, a name to watch in the future. His voice is masterfully blended with that of percussionists Ernesto Gatell and Njacko Backo, producing sounds which are often more Afro than Cuban. Vocals figure prominently throughout the album, but are not so much out in front as mixed into the overall sound of the group. Gospel and soul influences are also a major part of this album, with several tracks including lavish vocal harmonies and soul-drenched passages. In fact, the second track, "Joyful Noise" begins with a sample of the band talking in an informal setting, which, intentionally or not, is slightly reminiscent of the beginning of Marvin Gaye's "What's Goin' On?".

While the improvisation is far from groundbreaking, Bunnett and Cramer both contribute unique solo voices. This is in keeping with the flavor of the album, though, as it is the beautiful compositions and clever arrangements that are the focus of attention. Pianist Hilario Duran, who was a major creative force behind the album, is the soloist to note, staying true to the amazing heritage of Cuban pianists. He produces flourishing lines and polyrhythms upon polyryhthms with a certain flair that makes the listener close his or her eyes and listen harder.

For the past 10 years, Jane Bunnett has shown herself to be creative musician, composer, arranger and bandleader. She has explored the music of Cuba in a genuine and emotional way, and this always comes through in her recordings. Jane and her husband Larry are currently working on a documentary film investigating the many sides of Cuba and its music which will be shown at various film festivals this fall. It, no doubt, will be a well-balanced work, blending many elements into a unique whole, not unlike Ritmo + Soul.

Matt Topic

Track Listing: 1. Santos Suarez; 2. Joyful Noise; 3. The River/ El Rio; 4. Osain; 5. Drume Negrita; 6. Journey Back; 7. 3 Voices One Spirit; 8. Hebioso; 9. Fransisco's Dream

Personnel: Jane Bunnett, soprano sax & flute; Larry Cramer, trumpet; Hilario Duran, piano; Roberto Occhipinti, bass; Njacko Backo, kalimba & voice; Ernest Gatell, batas & voice; Dean Bowman, voice; Dafnis Prieto, drums; Lucumi, batas & congas; Pancho Quinto, batas, cajone & congas