(pronounced Ma-K-K) – My critically-acclaimed soprano saxophonist/flutist Jane has introduced a lot of Great Cuban musicians to North American audiences over the past couple of decades, including Dafnis Prieto, Yosvany Terry, Pedrito Martinez, and David Virelles.  Now she has assembled an exciting sextet featuring the finest young women musicians in Cuba.  Maqueque consists of Jane + virtuoso drummer Yissy Garcia, pianist Danae Olano, acoustic and electric bassist Tailin Marrero Zamora, MaryPaz Fernandez on percussion, and the band’s newest member, lead vocalist Joanna Tendai Majoko from Zimbabwe.   The pure Joy that Maqueque expresses in live performance creates a natural high for the audience too.

 

Since their sophomore CD Oddara received a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz CD, Maqueque has really taken off in the U.S., climbing to #7 in the Downbeat Poll for Best Jazz Group, and playing concert halls as well as most of the major clubs and Jazz festivals, including Newport and Monterey.  Their new CD Playing with Fire may be their best yet, so get on the bandwagon while they’re still affordable!  For more on Jane & Maqueque visit www.janebunnett.com.