On "Ruta De La Clave," in a world where rhythm is the only thing that really matters, his statement about cultural self-worth, as well as jazz worth, arrives in a thunderclap. The latest single from prolific, multi-JUNO Award-winning and Grammy-nominated percussionist Joaquín Núñez, with his Cuban-Canadian power band Habana Safari, is a richly textured ride deep into the heartbeat of Cuban identity, refracted through the shimmering lens of New York jazz.
Bearing the imprint of Cuba's legendary street beats, the powerful energy of the tune will count down everything, not just from, but into clave. As the name suggests, this is a route worth taking. The song's aural panorama is fleshed out by a stellar guest appearance from up-and-coming Cuban pianist Dayramir González, whose liquid keyboard work adds a touch of harmonic sophistication to the rhythmic fabric. His interplay with Núñez's percussive propulsion supplies layers of depth, pulling traditional Afro-Cuban motifs into bebop spontaneity. It's a combination that doesn't seek a mean midway point between tradition and innovation, but relishes both.
"Ruta De La Clave" also functions as a metaphorical foundation for Núñez's yet-to-be-released debut album. It establishes an aesthetic for a project that might aim to expand the parameters of Cuban jazz, grounding that music in an insistent street beat in Havana, and letting it soar among the skyscrapers of New York. "This song is a journey through rhythm, an invitation to follow the pulse of the clave, wherever it leads," Núñez says. "It's both a tribute to our roots and a step forward in the evolution of Cuban jazz."
On "Ruta De La Clave," Joaquín Núñez & Habana Safari are the rhythm. The tune pulses with energy and reverence, acting as a masterful paean to cultural roots while simultaneously declaring Latin jazz's future development. If this single is any indication, Núñez's full album will be one of the most significant Cuban jazz records for years.
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Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
July 07, 2025
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