Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana

Hot Havana Nights

(*Note: This is an old article from 2008 that I lost in a computer crash. I found a copy and am now reposting it.)

An escape from the harsh Canadian winter in 1982 was all saxophonist Jane Bunnett and her husband, trumpeter Larry Cramer, had in mind. A short vacation in Cuba opened worlds to her. Hearing the staccato rhythms in the street blending in with the lyric melodies of the trumpet spoke to Bunnett, showing her the path that she was meant to take. By the 1990's, she had become a regular visitor to Havana's musical quarters, standing in on impromptu performances and drinking in the mercurial influences. By fusing the melodic dynamics of jazz with the vibrant voice of the Afro-Latin rhythms, she has recorded a string of critically heralded albums. Cityfolk presents Jane Bunnett and the Spirits of Havana on February 22nd at 8:00pm in Kelly Hall at Antioch College, 795 Livemore St. in Yellow Springs. Tickets are $10. Call (937) 496-3863 or visit Cityfolk's website at http://www.cityfolk.org/.

(This article was originally published in the February 20, 2008 issue of the Dayton City Paper.)