Children’s Corner
Lulaworld, 2024
8/10
The Cuban pianist and composer Dánae Olano creates a debut album in a trio setting, where Joanna Majoko, Jane Bunnett, Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernandez, Marcos Bernaza, Amado Dedeu and Reimundo Sosa are all in attendance.
“Step In” starts the listen with flowing melodies and plenty of rich songwriting, where Bunnett’s dreamy flute makes an impression, and “Danzón Para la Abuela” follows with Olano’s harmonic keys that suit warm drumming and cozy mood.
“Ausencia” arrives at the halfway point and pairs the eloquent piano and brushed drums with a very expressive tone, while the upbeat and rock focused “Un Poco Loco” is full of cultured rhythm that’s certainly dance floor ready.
Residing close to the end, “Thinking About That Name” places Hernandez on drums for the mesmerizing and textured album highlight, and “Raices” exits with Majoko’s animated vocal scatting that complements the bata drums from Sosa that populates the distinct finish.
A worldly listen that fuses jazz, classical, and Afro-Cuban traditions, Olano’s move to Canada is certainly influencing her craft in exciting, timeless ways that we are all benefitting from.
Travels well with: Vanisha Gould and Chris McCarthy- Life’s A Gig; Alla Boara- Work & Song