Jane Bunnett & Maqueque

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Soprano-saxophonist and flutist Jane Bunnett really found her own voice and musical purpose when she discovered Afro-Cuban jazz as performed by top Cuban musicians.

She has since championed that idiom, not only by playing the music and discovering talented young artists from Cuba but by raising money to supply many up-and-coming musicians with instruments.

Her main project in recent times has been leading Maqueque, an all-female group mostly comprised of young Cuban players

The current version of Maqueque, in addition to the leader, consists of Joanna Majoko on vocals (often singing wordlessly along with Bunnett’s soprano), pianist Dánae Olano, bassist Tailin Marrero Zamora, drummer Yissy Garcia, and Mary Paz Fernández on conga and bata.

Their version of “Reencuentro” is highlighted by an inventive piano solo from Olano, a spot for bassist Zamoro, and the group’s joyful spirit.

-Scott Yanow

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