Alexander McCabe: Cuba Bella

Veteran New York-based saxophonist, pianist and composer Alexander McCabe is primarily an industry musician with extensive TV and movie credits as well as several previous recordings of his own. He presents his eight album as leader, the playful Latin-styled Cuba Bella, a vocal Spanish language project with music by McCabe and lyrics from his Cuban-born wife Maritza. Containing a rare mix of Cuban and Mexican sounds with contemporary jazz overtones, the album is a sparkling upbeat package of Latin Afro-Cuban jazz rhythms combined with traditional Spanish music, uniquely designed to appeal to the discerning Latin jazz audience.

Since the music on tap is totally grounded in the Latin genre, except for McCabe himself, who fronts the band on the alto and soprano saxophones, and Ohio-born bassist Chris Haney, the rest of the core quartet—including pianist Enrique Haneine, percussionist Ernesto Abreu as well as the vocalist—are all Hispanic. The singers are the central part of this album, with a special twist not found on many recordings. All three singers are brothers and sister, born and raised in Mexico City, the children of musician John Hager and artist Consuelo Hager. Robi Hager is a theater writer and performer, Johnny Hager is a teacher, and sister Daniele Hager is a New York-based singer and actress.

The title track kicks the music off in splendid fashion, showcasing Robi Hager on vocals as the island nation's cultural highlights of dance and music are re-imagined on "Beautiful Cuba," with light solos from the leader. "Little Cutie" is a dance number with several vocalists and solos by the pianist and McCabe in a spicy jam which gets the shoulders moving. Daniele Hager takes center stage on the beautiful light "Eres Mi Todo" and on the balladic emotional "No Hay Perdon."

McCabe comes to the fore and is pronounced on the exciting "22," with additional solos from the pianist and bassist in the only instrumental piece and the pure Latin jazz highlight of the set. Brothers Johnny and Robi shine on the outstanding "Siempre Ella," (Always Her) a tune about two friends who fall for the same girl and find out they have been played, a song one should not dedicate to any lady yet, a heck of a melody, lyrics and a sure keeper of the album.

Another gorgeous tune, with the brothers singing background and the sister in the featured role, is "Ahora Soy Tan Feliz," a classic bolero from legendary Cuban singer Benny More. This musical Latin journey ends with a fine arrangement of the well-known Mexican standard "Cielito Lindo" as everyone gets into the party to finish with a bang. Alexander McCabe's Cuba Bella is certainly a special Latin-oriented musical statement offering gyrating rhythms, wonderful ballads, emotional vocals and, overall, an exciting Latin jazz experience sure to grab attention.

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