For those who have to work hard to manage their mental health, there will be days when your brain just doesn’t want to deal with anything. Some people refer to this as a “bad brain day” but it can be hard to explain what is happening when other people haven’t experienced it. With their new single, “Relapse”, Aylmer Ontario punk rock band Moore Ave manages to turn a bad brain day into good music.
Opening the song are some nice riffs from lead guitarist Joe Gaudette as well as a voice snippet from the animated series Bojack Horseman that says, “I want to feel good about myself, the way you do. And I don’t know how. I don’t know if I can.” Given that Bojack Horseman is a show that has resonated with people due to its portrayal of depression, this snippet and the guitar riffs are a creative way to catch the listener’s ear.
Then, the song’s first verse expands on the honesty of the Bojack snippet as vocalist Josh Gaudette sings about how tired they are every day and how they want someone to see how much they need help. Their brain is making them feel bad, but they don’t want to feel helpless. This feeling is embodied in the song’s brief yet hopeful chorus.
“Don’t wanna feel this way
balance out my brain
I want to be okay”
In fact, this chorus makes Joe Gaudette’s guitar riffs feel like a rallying cry for the listener as it gets a brief moment to shine and lead into the next verse. The second verse is even better than the first, as it embodies the internal struggle of mental health more fully. Vocals desperately sing about how they are trying hard to hold themselves back from relapsing bad habits. Josh Gaudette confirms this, stating, “Relapse’ is a track about mental health and wanting to feel better; it has got to be my favorite track on the record.”
Moore Ave is a band composed of the Gaudette brothers Josh (rhythm/vocals), Joe (lead) and Jack (bass), with the final member being brother-in-punk, Shawn MacDonald (drums). Their sound is reminiscent of late 90’s and early’s 00’s punk bands Sum 41 and Blink-182, but with a sprinkle of modernity.
After recording tirelessly during the height of the COVID pandemic and working with producer Wade McNeil, the band recorded their first full length album Turn Around. Ahead of the album’s release, they released a slew of singles, including “6 Feet”, “Santeria”, and “Second Best,” as heard on SiriusXM.
In fact, “6 Feet”, which was inspired by a dream of Gaudette’s dad dying, has a similar feel to that of their future single “Relapse”. “Santeria” is a cover of the Sublime song of the same name and serves as a good homage to the band’s influences. Finally, “Second Best” is the first single off Turn Around and feels like a positive flip side to “Relapse” that is about getting better and not settling for less than you deserve.
“Can’t Find Her,” Haley K Turner’s new single feels more sinister than the organically crafted folk-pop songs on her debut album in from the dark, heard on CBC and radio across Canada.
Recorded at Monarch Studios with Juno nominated producer Tom Dobrzanski (Said the Whale, The Zolas), the foreboding alternative folk song exudes a cold undertone. Uplifted by a clever arrangement of pop strings, Can’t Find Her blends rhythmic guitar (Adrian Glynn) and drums (Flavio Cirillo) with blunt lyrics that expose the way our mundane differences distract us from experiencing joy in long term relationships. Or rather, the repercussions of infidelity.
Having grown up in Kelowna, the now Vancouver-based Singer Songwriter infuses the visual aftermath of mass wildfires while posing a compelling question about our carefully crafted lives; what happens when we abandon them on a whim?
Turner, an indie artist and mother with a flair for talking about hard things, rarely relies on smoke and mirrors to entice listeners into connecting with her music. It’s notable how gracefully Haley floats around genres in her releases to date, while maintaining a strong identity as a songwriter. Centring around emotionally impactful lyrics that showcase a versatile artist who weaves in and out of great sadness and blind hope. Digging deep into the crevices of our lives where struggles with body image, equality, motherhood, and loss exist yet effortlessly brightening our connections to one another.
Precariously balancing the creation of music with motherhood, Haley’s releases are solely determined by what parts of herself, and her music feel right to share with her listeners at a specific moment in time.
This approach inspired the live video for Blue and Yellow released April 2023 featuring Aline Daigle (Rumour Mill) and Adrian Glynn (The Fugitives). Addressing the war in Ukraine with a reminder that we have been here before. “History doesn’t owe us anything, it’s up to us to make it worth something.” And in May, Haley quietly shared a personal folksy song dedicated to her late Grandmother that features both her dad and her daughter, a lifelong dream of hers. All The Little Rocks beautifully offers insight into her personal life.
Haley’s spirited side shines through her authentically moving songs, especially in her delightful live performances where her ability to bring you to tears is softened by her mesmerizing sense of humour and enlightening self deprecation.
Scott Perrie and Leora Joy Perrie, the Canadian talented folk/ pop husband-and-wife Winsome Kind duo, have released their new Latin-tinged single “Hola Hola” from their highly anticipated third full-length album, Love in a Hurricane.
Having recently celebrated a decade of life, love, and making music together, the Perries made the bold decision to sell their home in the Canadian Prairies in 2021. With their two young boys in tow, they embarked on a transformative journey to Mexico in search of something more. Armed with just eight suitcases, including musical instruments and a mobile recording studio, they embraced a life of exploration and creativity.
Hola Hola is a hopeful song about unity and calling in the frequency of New Earth, highlighting the dynamic duo’s vibrant vocals and world-class songwriting. “From the moment we landed in Mexico, inspiration struck us right away and the melody for “Hola Hola” came through while we were standing in the customs line-up,” says Scott. “A week later we experienced our first tropical storm, and in a moment of calm, Leora was inspired to write the album’s title track, Love in a Hurricane.”
The Canadian couple journeyed from Mexico to magical Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, where they completed their album Love in a Hurricane, which is expected to be released this September. The record was almost entirely recorded and produced in their mobile studio and completed with the help of Daryl Chonka (Old Growth Studios) showcasing his profound mixing talents that are sprinkled throughout the album.
The life-changing musical journey that took Winsome Kind across Canada and Mexico was recorded over a span of two years during an adventure that took an unexpected turn when Leora discovered she was expecting their third child. Leora describes their experience of making new memories and music by saying, “Love in a Hurricane is a reflection of our journey, hopes, dreams, and hearts and is music for growing families, music for the hopeful, music for the weary, and music for the strong.”
After returning to Canada for the birth of their third child, Scott and Leora released a heartfelt cover of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe.” Their unwavering commitment to their adventurous lifestyle led them back to their family farm in Southern Saskatchewan, where they actively participated in the harvest while continuing to write and create new music.
Winsome Kind has captivated audiences with their undeniable chemistry and enchanting music since their story began in 2012, when they met while performing in “The Buddy Holly Story” at The Globe Theatre in Regina, Saskatchewan. After travelling across Canada as the onboard entertainment on Via Rail from coast to coast, performing in train stations, living rooms, and many music venues, they returned home to Vancouver, where they recorded their self-titled debut album, receiving critical acclaim from CBC Music and media outlets nationwide.
Sherri Harding, the soulful, bluesy rock star from Ottawa, Ontario, shows just who’s the boss in her new single, “Lady Of The House” from her highly anticipated debut album, “A Million Pieces.”
A Million Pieces showcases Sherri’s extraordinary range of musical styles, featuring memorable and attention-grabbing rock tracks and soulful ballads, and the heartfelt song “Lady of the House” recently hit the airwaves and streaming platforms, beautifully captures Sherri’s deep emotional connection to her family and pays tribute to her strong female role models.
When discussing the creative process behind the album, Sherri reveals, “During the early days of the ‘A Million Pieces’ project, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Dick Cooper, renowned songwriter for The Cooper Brothers. We discussed various themes, and I shared stories about my sweet mother and paternal grandmother. Dick returned with the magnificent song ‘Lady of the House,’ and the moment I heard it, I was moved to tears. That’s when I knew we had something truly special.”
Cooper’s significant contribution to the album extends beyond his songwriting prowess. Recognizing Sherri’s immense talent, Cooper played a pivotal role in her musical journey by encouraging her to step into the spotlight. In 2016, Sherri had a breakthrough moment when she joined forces with her hometown heroes, The Cooper Brothers, to perform “The Dream Never Dies” alongside them on stage. This experience solidified her potential as a solo artist and laid the foundation for the creation of her debut album, “A Million Pieces.” Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cooper crafted a collection of songs specifically tailored to Sherri’s unique style and heartfelt expression.
Sherri’s path to success has been paved with dedication and perseverance. Having paid her dues in the music industry, she spent years performing with various bands across numerous bars and clubs. From entertaining audiences at the Juke Joints in the Northwest Territories to captivating the Canadian Armed Forces in Bosnia, Dubai, and Italy, her unwavering commitment to her craft has earned her a well-travelled reputation. Even while juggling late-night gigs with her early-morning government job, Sherri’s passion for music has remained strong, propelling her toward this remarkable milestone in her career.
The pop of a champagne bottle opening never fails to light up a room and bring smiles, whether it’s in the midst of a big celebration or an intimate affair. There’s something warmly nostalgic about that flute full of delicious bubbly, especially when it’s pink. One delightful sip can transport you to a simpler, yet elegant time of exhilarating love, easy laughter and letting go. Multi-honoured singer-songwriter Heather Hill is serving up the joyful effervescence of pink champagne in her irresistible new release, “Rosey.”
The Blue Mountains, Ontario-based artist is pouring on intoxicating romance with this retro confection that blows a kiss back to the post-Swing Jazz era with a wink and a nudge to Les Paul and Mary Ford, all dressed in modern musical sensibilities. The lead single from her upcoming fourth album Twilight Mist, “Rosey” was co-written with Hill’s frequent collaborator, award winning Ontario singer-songwriter, Matt Gerber.
“‘Rosey’ is a throw-back 1950s jazz pop tune about love and delight,” notes Hill. “Matt and I imagined an incredible night of pink champagne and dancing. Everything is bubbly and full of love and life.”
I love the light that sparkles in your eyes
Intoxicating. I’m mesmerized.
I could drink you up. It’s no surprise.
I wish I could bottle this sweet and bubbly love!
There’s a very specific setting that Hill and Gerber imagined setting the scene and give the story in “Rosey” its vibrant, nostalgic overtones.
“This heart opening song had me envisioning a fancy party in a beautiful dance hall,” Hill recalls. “There are pink bubbles, pink drinks, pink dresses, pink roses and a jazz band. At this fancy party, the guests are floating around the dancefloor in bliss and delight. Love and pink champagne has transformed the guests and the entire evening.”
The result sounds like the most sumptuously romantic and giddily joyous affair ever. The best part is we’re all invited.
Rosey kind of love
Giddy on your love
Tipsy on your love
It fills me up
“Rosey” makes it effortless to get caught up in its rapturous vibe with Hill’s sweet, flirtatious vocal buoyed by acclaimed, Juno nominated jazz pianist and drummer David Restivo, guitarist Mike Rud and upright bassist Jill McKenna. Truly a cross country effort, the instrumental trio recorded the instrumental tracks for “Rosey” in Restivo’s home city of Nelson, B.C. and Hill recorded her lead vocal at Villa Sound in Singhampton, Ontario with engineer Adam Fair, who also mixed the song.
Hill has always pursued collaborations with diverse artists and her songwriting prowess has been paying off in industry recognition and accolades. “Love”, a song co-written with another frequent collaborator Sarah Prodan that will be included on the upcoming Twilight Mist, was recently selected as Best Original Song for the 2023 Love Wins International Festival, which takes place in both Los Angeles and New York City during Pride in both locales. “Free This Love”, another co-write with Matt Gerber and award winning Toronto singer-songwriter Henry Lees, picked up Top 10 Finalist honours from the 2022 USA Songwriting Competition and reached the Semi-Finals for the 2022 International Songwriting Contest. Another co-write with Gerber, “You’re So Beautiful”, became a Semi-Finalist in the 2021 International Songwriting Competition.
Hill has also co-written several songs with Chris Antonik, a #1 charting, multiple Maple Blues Awards nominee, Canadian rock powerhouse Jess Speziale, Meghaan LeBlanc, a Nova Scotian Celtic troubadour and Kat Leonard, a comedian and entertainer.
A deep, varied history of academic studies and performance experience has led Hill to the highly creative and soul-affirming place she’s in now. With a classical piano performance degree (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (U of T) and a Master of Arts (English) degree from University of Waterloo under her wing, she made her home temporarily in New York performing in some of the city’s most legendary clubs such as The Cutting Room and the Makor Room, and recorded her first album, “Listen” with platinum producer Steve Addabbo (Suzanne Vega, Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan). There, Hill also received her first song cut in the off-Broadway production “Songs of the Century” and studied with revered singer-songwriter, producer, music mentor, teacher and co-founder of the Jazz Foundation of America, Ann Johns Ruckert, who also worked with legends such as Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, T-Rex, Merry Clayton and Quincy Jones throughout her storied career.
Moving back to Toronto to raise her family, Hill continued to pursue her song craft in earnest, releasing her second album Leuty Station, called “a remarkable and beautiful sounding disc” by Juno nominated and multi-credited Film/TV singer-songwriter Blair Packham. In 2022, Hill released her third album We are The Same, a collection she calls a warm hug in an uncertain world.
Always desiring to lift other songwriters up in their artistry, Hill has led the Toronto Songwriting Guild for the past decade – a group of 10-15 professional songwriters who are working on their song craft and sharing their talents. Additionally, she’s a member of One Fire Movement – a grassroots group of artists spreading peace through their art and activism.
There’s joy, magic and delight in the ‘job’ of songwriting for Heather Hill and her new release “Rosey” shows how much she is ‘in the pink’ with her craft as she gears up for her fourth album Twilight Mist to be out later this year. For now though, she has one simple request for everyone listening along.
“For Matt and I, this song is all about simplicity, joy, fun and play,” says Hill. “I hope this song makes you smile. If it does, share it with a friend.”
Hot off the heels of their most recent single “Hey Mona!”, Toronto’s terrific trio Redpath Traffic is striking a different chord with their latest release, “Do You Love Me Now?”, featuring the legendary Chris Birkett on lap steel, keyboards, and backing vocals. Both tracks will be available on the group’s debut LP Under The Crimson Sun, available everywhere this October.
The electrifying brainchild of drummer Kerem Balci, bassist Mark Fernley, and guitarist/vocalist Rick Todd, Redpath Traffic creates genre-agnostic music that fuses blues and rock with a touch of punk, while weaving through their personal narratives of love, loss, redemption, and change.
Chris Birkett brings also his rich musical legacy and exceptional talent to the single– his illustrious career as a producer, singer/songwriter, composer, and sound engineer has included collaborations with such renowned international artists as Sinead O’Connor, Alison Moyet, Dexys Midnight Runners, Talking Heads, The Pogues, Bob Geldof, Quincy Jones, Mel Brooks, and Steve Earle. His singular artistic vision has earned him four Canadian Junos, a Grammy, a Polaris Music Prize, and three international AMPEX Golden Reel Awards.
On the surface “Do You Love Me Now?” speaks to the agonizing self-sacrifice one may find themselves making to win the seemingly unrequited love of another. However, on a deeper level, it’s also a song about self-acceptance, with the singer asking the person in the mirror how many changes it will take to reach a more elusive self-love. For Todd, the song’s writer and composer, the track is also reminiscent of the struggle his adoptive dad faced accepting himself as a gay man.
“Being gay in the 70s was much more scandalous than it is today, especially as a married family man,” says Todd. “He struggled to be what society expected him to be, but it caused him unending strife and sadness. His fear of being found out was real, as were the potential effects on his family, career, and social standing.”
Todd remembers that Toronto was a much different place when his dad’s secret was finally out. In an era where gay men were targets of violence in the shadow of the Emanuel Jacques murder, his dad found he had to sever ties with his “old” life to manage his truth better and protect the people who mattered to him.
“Dad found a partner with whom he lived for decades,” Todd says. “But he had to sacrifice his relationship with his children to do so without fear. I didn’t even find out he was gay until years later.”
Todd was reunited with his dad in 2001, after 16 years of no contact, and the two maintained a relationship until his dad’s death in 2004. Even after years of pain and sadness, Todd was happy they had the opportunity for redemption.
“I understand how frightening it must have been to admit to me that he was gay,” Todd says. “I would have been okay with it. You can’t be angry at someone for being who they really are or loving who they love.”
In “Do You Love Me Now?” Todd alchemizes this story into three minutes and forty-eight seconds of jam-worthy bliss. Balci, Fernley, and Birkett’s contributions are also evident in the beautifully crafted instrumentation that perfectly complements the song’s emotional depth. The opening guitar chords create a gentle and somber atmosphere, setting the tone for the introspective journey ahead. The rhythm section, consisting of drums and bass, establishes a steady and comforting pulse that drives the song forward.
Redpath Traffic continues to push boundaries and defy genre conventions with their soulful storytelling and captivating melodies. “Do You Love Me Now?” is a testament to the band’s artistic versatility and future in the music scene.
Acclaimed Canadian Guitarist/Singer/Composer Don Ross has released his highly anticipated single, “Three Views of a Secret,” the second track off his newly released album Water. The single features an awe-inspiring display of Ross’s virtuosic solo guitar skills, beautifully complemented by the inimitable bass work of Michael Manring and the rich orchestration by Atlantic String Machine.
Three Views of a Secret is a breathtaking rendition of Jaco Pastorius’ classic composition originally featured on his Word of Mouth album released in 1981. For years, Ross had promised himself that he would arrange a solo guitar version of the song, and he has now delivered a powerful and moving performance.
“I’ve loved this classic Jaco Pastorius composition since I first bought a copy of his Word of Mouth album in 1981,” says Ross.
“I promised myself a few years back that I would arrange a solo guitar version of it, and finally did recently. Then, I asked the amazing Michael Manring to add some of his inimitable bass work, and then had the Atlantic String Machine play a bit of orchestration I wrote inspired by Jaco’s big band arrangement.”
Born and raised in Montreal, Ross started his music career in 1988 and has since then won several prestigious awards and recognition for his innovative music style. He has toured extensively and released multiple albums both independently and on various record labels, including Narada Records and Sony Music/Columbia Records.
Ross’s upcoming album, Water, is a testament to his artistic genius and his ability to seamlessly blend different styles and genres. Water features collaborations with musical friends such as Bruce Cockburn, Brooke Miller, Sean Hall, Atlantic String Machine, and The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ross is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, and his talents extend beyond playing regular pitched guitar, baritone guitar, and bass to composing all the orchestrations on the album. His goal with this project was to create a thoroughly modern version of a Don Ross album, and he achieved this feat by financing the ambitious project with a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Water is set to be released in 2023 on Ross’s label imprint, GFM. “Three Views of a Secret” is available on all major streaming platforms.
At the age of 94, Schoolhouse Rock songwriter Bob Dorough performed the iconic Three Is A Magic Number in 2017, saying, “This is the first song I wrote that started a whole cottage industry called “Schoolhouse Rock”. Little did I know at the time, I was just trying to write a song to help kids with their multiplication. As always when we do “Schoolhouse Rock”, I expect a little audience participation. While some of you kids look older than their regular kids, still you should know your times tables.”
Buenrostro comes from the very south of Mexico City, in the borough of Milpa Alta.
They grew up listening to the elder Nahuatl speakers—with their deeply rooted traditions and customs—while also being exposed to the modern culture of a cosmopolitan city. These are the sounds that inspired them to experiment and create a fusion of their ancestor’s traditional Mexican rhythms with global melodies. Their music is a combination of sones calentanos from Bajío, jarochos or huastecos; jarabes, pirekuas, cardenche songs and cumbias; sambas, rock, and jazz.
The members of BuenRostro played and danced those rhythms even before the inception of the group on October 8th, 2010. With time and experience their sound matured, resulting in their current “infusion” of different musical genres and styles. Although they’re sometimes difficult to label, BuenRostro manages to find a deep connection with anyone who listens or watches them perform, no matter their age.
Buenrostro transforms with each song, defying the traditional sonority with an innovative uniqueness. In addition to their costumes, dances, and theatrical quality, they never fail to create both a musical and visual performance honouring their roots as well as the contemporary.
“Volcano” was inspired by the power of nature, by the force of life that manifests itself in elements such as water, wind, fire, and earth. This imposing life force inhabits the depths of a volcano. In Mexico, there is a great variety; many of them are dormant volcanoes, waiting for their moment. Humans currently sleep like an inactive volcano: automatons, drowsy, absorbed by routines, accumulating energy, dreams, and desires. Like a volcano, we have the power to wake up and rise again between lava and rocks, towards a different tomorrow, together in the re-evolution.
The single’s arrangements reflect the song’s global vision, proposing musical contrasts and variations. The intention behind the song’s production was to include sounds from all over America; from voices that remind us of the north, to drums that send us to the south of the continent. In doing this, the song represents a people in constant resistance and revolution. Collaborating with Canadian Juno-nominated, Julian Taylor, further establishes the song’s message and reaffirms the ties that unite the continent.
Julian Taylor has been part of the musical fabric and landscape in Canada for over two decades. Taylor enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2020, when his second solo album, The Ridge which earned praise from press worldwide, and airplay from America to Australia to the U.K. “Volcano” will be officially released worldwide on July 14th, 2023.
BuenRostro released their debut album, Alterlatino, in 2015. Their second album, viBRa, was produced, recorded, and mixed by Latin-Grammy winner, Sacha Triujeque. In April 2020 they released, VIVO, which was recorded and broadcasted live from the “Julián Carrillo” concert hall for Radio UNAM’s “Intersecciones” program. BuenRostro has since dropped two more singles ahead of their upcoming album, TIERRA, recorded and produced by Alejandro Colinas.
Their strong “infusion” has taken them to the most important stages in Mexico, including Teatro Esperanza Iris in Mexico City and Zocalo –the most important public plaza in Mexico City’s downtown—as well as Festival Cumbre Tajín in Papantla, Veracruz. They’ve also toured abroad, visiting Colombia in 2015 and France in 2022. Adding to that list, BuenRostro will kick off their Canada tour in July of 2023.
BuenRostro Tour Dates:
July 4: Toronto, ON: Lula Lounge
July 5 -9, Winnipeg, MB: Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 11-12, Ottawa, ON: National Arts Centre
July 14-16, Yellowknife, NT: Folk On The Rocks
July 21-24, Fort MacLeod, AB: South Country Fair
July 27-29, Calgary, AB: Calgary Folk Festival
July 30, Guelph, ON: Hillside Festival
A personal note from Jane Bunnett and Larry Cramer: “We are extremely pleased to present the first video from our new CD “Playing With Fire”
The piece we chose is TOMORROW as it has an uplifting narrative.
It features our violinist 20-year-old Daniela Olano, the newest member of Maqueque as the Actor.
The second star of the video is me, playing the apparition. The mask l am wearing is from the Embera people, the indigenous people in Panama on the Chagres River. This came about when we were playing at the invitation to Danilo Perez’s Panama Jazz Fest.
We thought that now is the time to present a positive storyline where a young woman goes from a haunting darkness into light and freedom. As well, it is the first time we have produced a video with a story format. The video was conceived and directed by Filmmaker Carlos Coronado…thanks Carlos!
We were pleased to use our home of 41 years in Toronto Canada as our set.”
Playing With Fire could refer to the feeling emanating from any member of Maqueque, the all-women band formed by veteran Toronto jazz musician Jane Bunnett with young female grads of the Cuban conservatory.
A decade ago, Bunnett met the core of the band at a jam session with her band Spirits of Havana, at the Cohiba Hotel in that city. Ten years later, Maqueque has created opportunities for composing and performing extraordinary jazz that has taken the pioneering ensemble around the world. It has expanded to include not only women players from Cuba, but also the brilliant vocalist Joanna Majoko (from Zimbabwe) and musicians from the Dominican Republic, Latin America, Spain and Lebanon.
On Playing With Fire, much of the heat comes from new guitarist Donna Grantis. Donna, who also hails from Bunnett’s home of Toronto, performed for many years with Prince as a member of 3RDEYEGIRL in the 2010s. Three pieces in particular feature Donna’s contribution to the recording process: “A God Unknown,” “A Human Race” and “Sierra.”
Maqueque has won a JUNO Award, was nominated for a Grammy and annually tours Europe, Latin America, the U.S. and Canada. Downbeat magazine picked them as one of the Top Ten Touring Groups of 2019. NPR has featured the band on Tiny Desk Concert. Maqueque has been wildly successful in its mission, which is to elevate the profile of women musicians in Cuba. “There was so much creative energy there,” says Bunnett, “but not many outlets. We alsorealized that many of the girls at the conservatories were not really encouraged to ‘take thestage’ in a male-dominated scene. We witnessed this first-hand while taking technicians, jazzmaterials and instruments to Cuban conservatories — that the best way to solve this issue wasto create a performance opportunity, which became an all-female ensemble.”
Maqueque continues to evolve and welcome new generations. Playing With Fire marks the debut of 19-year-old violinist Daniela Olano, sister of the band’s co-founder and pianist, Danae Olano. Her composition “Daniela’s Theme” is a highlight on the new recording. In addition to new compositions, the collective also reimagines two jazz classics: “Tempus Fugit” by pianist Bud Powell and “Jump Monk” by Charles Mingus.
Playing With Fire is the first Maqueque album to feature vocalist Joanna Majoko. The Zimbabwean took the music to new heights, improvising with a creative power in the studio that inspired everyone. The electrifying rhythm section — including the two founding members, pianist Danae Olano and drummer Yissy Garcia, along with bassist Tailin Marrero (who wrote the track “Bolero”) and percussionist Mary Paz — is the foundation that the music is built upon.
