The heart gives a leap at the prospect of listening to a debut record by a young woman you have so admired for the work she has contributed to Maqueque founded by Jane Bunnett and Larry Cramer, one of the world’s most iconic all-women ensembles. This is especially as that woman is as puckish, engaging and intelligent a pianist as Dánae Olano.
That intelligence – and uncommon erudition – is very much at work in the first fruits of this recital, in the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic conception of Miss Olano’s compositions [not to mention the exquisitely racy interpretation of the arrangement of Un Poco Loco by the indomitable Bud Powell], and in the performance of each song on Children’s Corner.
Miss Olano and her Trio comprises the bassist Roberto Riverón and drummer Amhed Mitchell and a constellation of stars and musical friends including Ms Bunnett, who plays flute and Hilario Durán who produces. Leading the recital with joy and intimacy, with mood-swinging, elegant melodies and harmonies Miss Olano invokes poetic language to articulate the music’s gorgeous narratives.
At every turn – whether in her soli or in ensemble – her quicksilver changes and suggestive montuno, and her lyrical expressionism reminds you that she is very much part of the continuous tradition that begins in Cuba and ends in the swinging [tradition] of Black American music – jazz.
The ensemble articulate their storytelling, complemented with a graceful embrace here [cue Danzón Para la Abuela and Mother – the latter song with the soft caress of the violin played by Daniela Olano, the pianist’s sister], a gracious curve and a leap in the air there [cue Step In and Jane Bunnett’s balletic entrée on the flute in ensemble and followed by her solo.