Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran's "Cuban Rhapsody": Music to Your (or Anybody's) Ears

Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran's Cuban Rhapsody (Alma 789) has an exceptional combination of roots and innovation. It is rooted in its vibrant renditions of Cuban classics. It is innovative in the wonderful duet performances of Duran on piano and Bunnett on soprano and flute.

It is music with all the drive of the classic dance forms, but it uses the duet situation to suggest the essence of classic Cuban sounds while heightening the jazz inflections and improvisatory nuances of the players with their natural stylistic personalities. Think of the Chic Corea-Gary Burton duets for their spirit--now imagine that same sort of spirit, only very different players doing very different music.

It is Latin jazz in a kind of chamber setting. And what a setting. Superb performances of wonderful music!!