Throughout this "celebration of sounds" we brought in some of our favorite musicians whose diverse musical background connected in a very profound way. Jumpin' Johnny Sansone "clicked" immediately on his first night in Santiago with the Grupo Changüi de Santiago. His two compositions "Give me one dollar" and "No money no Chica" managed to capture the street life of New Orleans as well as Santiago de Cuba with no compromises. Magically his Harmonica and Accordion worked with and meshed almost seamlessly with the Tres, Bongos and Marimbula of the Changüiseros.

A spiritual cry and the deep blues sound of Dewey Redman's Tenor create a beautiful tribute to the goddess of the sea in "Yemaya and Changüi". His solos throughout this recording were moving and always inspiring to all of us on the sessions.

We had wanted to work with Howard Johnson for years and finally here he is in all his glory, trading licks with the Marimbula, playing his own "take" on the New Orleans marching band rhythms and performing a stunning and bold 4-minute solo on "Conga Blue".

The brilliand young pianist David Virelles has been our closest most recent collaborator. Having grown up with this music he was the perfect conduit through which we could channel our jazz sensibilities and musical ideas.

Kevin Breit was our "music without borders" hit man; his openness and clarity made us look at music in new ways. You will hear more of him on volume 2 of this project.

Longtime friend and Bassist Kieran Overs has been with us since our first musical journey "Spirits of Havana". His enthusiasm and embracement of our projects is always given with generosity.

The unique styling's of B3 Organist Denis Keldie, pulled musical elements together giving some cuts a timeless and earthy quality.

Percussionist Jalidan Ruiz Castro and Ethan Ardelli brought a youthful and positive energy to the project too.

This record was a joy to make. We hope this music lets you dance, dream and dance again. This was the "wave" we rode with our many friends on this special project "RADIO GUANTANAMO".

Don't touch that dial!...
Stay tuned for part 2 of "Radio Guantánamo"