OKAN
Lula World, 2020, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 26.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 78
O’s Notes: OKAN is the word for soul or heart in the Santeria religion. It is a fitting name for this Afro-Cuban, woman-led ensemble. Drummer/Percussionist Magdelys Savigne and violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez are the leaders. They sing beautiful, classic & original jazz and Cuban ballads with heart felt passion in Spanish and English. We hope to see them touring post-pandemic. For Espiral, the reimagined “Besame Mucho”, “Boundaries” and the spirited rap from Telmary Diaz on “Mercedes” are a few examples of their vibrant style.
