On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme

Jane Bunnett is the pioneering Canadian saxophonist, flautist, bandleader and educator whose work with Afro-Cuban jazz remains deft, groundbreaking and proudly, freely feminist. After setting out her stall in the early 2000s with the Grammy-nominated likes of Alma de Santiago and her calling-card, Cuban Odyssey – works of imaginative daring and in-depth understanding – she formed the all-female, similarly Grammy-nominated Maqueque five years ago, famously recruiting the young Cuban singer Daymé Arocena – whose star proceeded to rise. Maqueque have been honed and boosted by constant touring and consistent accolades.

This superb third album welcomes new members including the Ohio-born Nikki D Brown, whose gospel- style vocals and steel-guitar stylings take tracks such as ‘On Firm Ground’ even deeper, and pianist Dánae Olano, whose compositional nous is evident on her three originals. Burnett's three compositions, particularly ‘Monkey See, Monkey Do’, which features past member and vocalist Melvis Santa, are deceptively delicate and effortlessly complex. Drummer Yissy García keeps the album's engine room stoked, while newcomer Mary Paz – an erstwhile member of Interactivo – lends fiery percussion. Zimbabwean singer Joanna Majoko connects with the groove; special guest Daymé Arocena gifts the self-penned ‘Mystery of Jane's House’, scatting and singing with big-hearted, life-affirming joy.