Ochumare - CD

ENGLISH

This disc grabs you exactly where you were least expecting it. A charming young woman, a muslin dress slipped over her, who can adjust her bow while at the same time singing West African hymns. At first you think it's virtuoso prettiness that characterises Ochumare. And then, in two searing seconds, this diva from Havana now living in Switzerland shows her sharp teeth. In a single leap she traverses memories of Chopin, of Chucho Valdés, of New York jazz, of the imperious audacity of Santería ceremonies. Nothing is pretty in this music; everything is urgent.<br /> <br /> Yilian Cañizares was born not very long ago, in Havana. Very soon, on drum skins, she learnt the complex rhythms, the dreamlike spaces, an Africa rewritten in the glorious insularity of a country that also imported teachers from Russia. Yilian is the fruit of several histories. She can play Bach sonatas on a violin of mathematical precision. She can produce a New Orleans swing. She can also ' quite an chievement 'awaken the Yoruba divinities. And notably the goddess Oshun, the soul of fresh water, who best corresponds to her fluid nature.