Jane Bunnett - Jane Bunnett and the Cuban Piano Masters (1996) Lossless

Jane Bunnett, a talented flutist and soprano saxophonist from Canada, has consistently cut through red tape and bureaucracy in order to perform with Cuban musicians. For this project, Bunnett puts the focus on a pair of talented Cuban pianists (Jose Maria Vitier and Frank Emilio Flynn), performing in a variety of settings that also sometimes include bassist Carlitos del Puerto. The leader actually sits out on three of the ten songs. As strong as the playing is (and the interplay between Bunnett and the pianists is consistently delightful), the rich melodies (five by Vitier, one from Flynn and four obscurities) are most memorable. Influenced by classical music and the pianist's Cuban heritage, the highly appealing themes stick in one's mind long after the CD is finished. Several of the tunes could very well catch on as standards in the future, if enough musicians hear this CD. Recommended, as are all of Jane Bunnett's recordings to date.