Toronto musician saxist/flautist Jane Bunnett has pioneered impossible to describe Cuban and beyond invigorating explorations for a long time but there are new faces always coming through and this latest fizzes with energy. This time around guitarist Donna Grantis (from the Prince 3rdeyegirl band) in the sound makes a difference in the latest line-up of Maqueque particularly on 'A God Unknown'. A reliably sprawling sound and all the more likeable for that, violinist Daniela Olano, sister of the band’s pianist Danae Olano, is also new in and has written 'Daniela’s Theme'. Playing With Fire highlights also include Mingus at the Bohemia (1956, Debut) piece 'Jump Monk,' a number you don't often find covered these days. But the Mingus Big Band ghost band certainly interpreted it as compellingly in the mid-1990s on Gunslinging Birds. Its rampaging clapping rhythm, vocalese and runaway sense of momentum give the new treatment a distinctive flavour and twist all of Maqueque's own derivation.
- Maqueque are touring this week on the continent playing Marian’s Jazzroom in Bern on Friday, followed by Jazzkeller, Frankfurt (28 March), Cafe Central, Weinheim (29 March) among a raft of upcoming dates.
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