Event

Jane Bunnett and Maqueque

The Charlottesville Jazz Society and WTJU are thrilled to announce the return of saxophonist Jane Bunnett and her all female band from Cuba, Maqueque. Their concert two years ago is still being talked about as one of the most exciting shows ever presented in Charlottesville, with ecstatic jazz fans dancing in the aisles.

Canadian jazz icon Jane Bunnett plays sopranos sax and flute, and is the composer of much of the music the group plays. She has received three Grammy nominations for her decades of work with this band and other ensembles.

Maqueque will be playing music from its newest release, On Firm Ground/Tierra Firme. The recording is the culmination of extensive touring, from The Yukon to Brazil, playing some of the worlds biggest jazz festivals along the way. Downbeat Magazine says This band sounds like no other today in jazz, and voted Maqueque one of the top ten groups in jazz in a recent critics poll.

This all-female collective is led by veteran jazz icon, soprano saxophone player, flautist and composer Jane Bunnett. After receiving five Juno awards for best Canadian jazz album, and three Grammy nominations, Jane decided to dedicate herself to taking Maqueque to the world.

Pianist Danae Olano has become Jane's closest collaborator. Her playing and compositions represent the heart and soul of this third Maqueque recording. Drummer Yissy Garcia is the heartbeat and power that propels Maqueque along, especially with new members Mary Paz on percussion and bassist Tailin Marrero, who adds a beautiful acoustic bass sound. Maqueques newest member, Joanna Majoko, an incredibly soulful vocalist, who immediately connected with the Maqueque groove, although her roots are in Zimbabwe.

For more information visit cvillejazz.org or call (434) 249-6191.