Kevin Haynes is the multi-talented British born percussionist/sassofonist/dancer of Trinidadian descent who has been active on the UK jazz scene for over 15 years. For the last eight years, his major project has been Groupo Elegua, a band who fuse post-hard bop modal jazz with folkloric Afro-Cuban rythms, in particular the rumba, but also bata drumming used in in the Yoruban descended religion of Santeria. This is their second album, and it is a giant leap forward - the band has never sounded more cohesive and together, now playing as one integrated unit as opposed to two sections, jazz and Afro-Cuban. kevin Hayneshas matured as a saxophonist displaying a clear, pure tone and sharp attack on the alto reminiscent of Jackie Macleans's 'Destination Out' Blue Note era. Add to this his mastery of the bata drum, and sweet but gruff lead vocals, you have one very talented individual leading an inspirong the band.
The music here is a varied selection of Rumba and Bata jazz, with modal vamps, spoken word, and even two traditional "orishas", or prayers to the Santeria gods. It's deep aand spiritual music that is not standard Latin jazz, and therfore requires you to listen a little harder. But take time to do so and you'll be rewarded from start to finish with quality musicianship and compositions. Two killers are the uptempo modal rumba/bata jazz workouts, 'Lying in Wait' and 'Rumba Para Senegal' - check the fat bass line holding it down on the latter! My own personal favourite is the opener 'Elegua', a traditional bata drum and vocal number, agumented by keyboards and bass, that features Kevin on lead vocals. Beautiful soulful musicthat touches you the same way a Coltrane ballad or Lauren Hill and Terry callier song does. respect to Kevin Haynes for keeping his is vision alive, and not being distracted by commercial pressures. Support the man and his group - they deserve it- and buy this cd.