Omar Puente

Omar Puente: From There To Here

by Chris May
October 31, 2009

Originally a classical violinist--before settling in England in 1997 he was first violin with the Nacional Symphony Orquestra in his native Cuba--Omar Puente has since focused on modern Cuban music and jazz, exploring the mutalities of the two traditions, and increasingly favoring an electric instrument. From There To Here is, remarkably given Puente's distinguished guest artist scorecard, his first album as leader. It's a fiery and exuberant set, touching on Africa, Cuba and England as it progresses.

In England, Puente ...