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Havana Odyessy

by Bill King

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about

I first met Magdelys Savigne and Elizabeth Rodriguez when they were members of Jane Bunnett’s all women ensemble Maqueque. That friendship expanded over time into music collaborations as the duo would soon form their own band, OKAN. To this day, the unit tours the world, spreading their brand of cross-cultural invention.

Havana Odyssey catches the four of us in the studio with Magdelys not only in her traditional role as a percussionist but also behind the drum kit. Rodriguez’s stunning violin is in play along with Cuban icon Roberto Riveron, electric bass, once of the heroic Cuban band Klimax.

My first trip to Havana occurred in 1992 as a cultural ambassador from Canada. I visited the many provinces, most recovering from a devastating hurricane and the withdraw of the Russians. The country for the most parts was undergoing severe shortages in food, petroleum, and basic kitchen staples. Under Obama, Cuba transformed itself and gained an economic footing with a slight loosening of the stringent hold the government had over nearly every facet of daily life. Then comes the Trump administration, and all doors slammed shut.

Those times listening and hanging with musicians. A bit of jamming. Hours of photography remain attached to my heart. To this day, those associations and friendships remain intact.

My first flight down, I read James A. Michener’s book Caribbean and got a sense of history. The invaders, the shipwrecks, Columbus, the disease that wipes out the indigenous Arawaks, the cruelty of the Spaniards, the tyranny of the U.S. and endless upheaval and marvel at the resilience and patience of a populace who believe one day the clouds will clear and the nation will once again be free.

credits

released April 13, 2023
Bill King – Producer/Composer, Keyboards
Elizabeth Rodriquez – vocals and violin
Magdelys Savigtne- drums/percussion
Roberto Riveron – bass
Recorded at Side Door Records
Shane Forrest - engineer
Night Passage Music
SOCAN

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Bill King Piano Toronto, Ontario

Indiana born, Toronto-based musician and producer.

Spanning a career that has seen Bill study with the legendary Oscar Peterson, become the musical director for Janis Joplin, tour with Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters and more - his output delves into rhythm, blues, soul, jazz and more ... more

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