Canada-Cuba connection going strong

On it, the soprano saxophonist and flutist shares the spotlight with Cuban-born pianist Hilario Duran, a longtime colleague of hers.

The album contains original takes on such classical Cuban compositions as “Lágrimas Negras,” “Longina” and “Maria la O.”

Through her many travels around the Caribbean island, Bunnett said in a phone interview from Toronto, she has known that “there has been a rich, deep musical legacy of material there in the classics. But I didn’t realize it was such a large part of many of the musicians’ schooling. Regular Cubans know the material.”

Bunnett and Duran met in Havana through a mutual friend.

Their first recording together was the album “Spirits of Havana,” which also included Cuban pianists Frank Emilio and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Bunnett said the album was chosen by a music guide as one of the top 20 jazz recordings of the 20th century.

Bunnett and Duran have performed on about seven albums together. He has also played with Dizzy Gillespie and was Arturo Sandoval’s arranger, pianist and musical director for nine years.

	Jane Bunnett, Hilario Duran and special guest Candido WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 WHERE: Outpost Performance Space, 210 Yale SE HOW MUCH: $25 general public, $20 students and Outpost members at the Outpost, by calling 268-0044 or at the door

In 1995, Duran moved to Toronto, where he is on the jazz faculty of Humber College.

Joining Duran and Bunnett on their current tour is Candido, a 91-year-old Cuban-born conga player who lives in New York City.

“In this particular format with us, Candido really gets to shine,” Bunnett said.

“He can actually play melodies on congas – the way he tunes and hits the skins, his elbow presses on the skins. He gets different tones. He’s such a virtuoso,” she said.

Candido – his full name is Candido Camero – was born in Havana in 1921 and has recorded and performed with such legends as Machito, Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis. and recently collaborated with Tony Bennett.