Joaquin Núñez & Habana Safari – Ruta De La Clave (Lulaworld Records LWR051A, 2025)
Irresistible Cuban rhythms meet contemporary jazz on Ruta De La Clave (the clave route), the debut album by Canada-based Cuban percussionist and bandleader Joaquín Núñez. It was co-produced with New York–based pianist Dayramir González. Notably, the project traces the evolution of clave-based music from 19th-century Spanish-influenced contradanza through danzón, changüí, son cubano, and Afro-rooted rumba cubana, culminating in modern Latin jazz.
Recorded in Canada between 2022 and 2024, the album brilliantly balances folkloric authenticity with harmonic sophistication. Aside from Cuban roots, stylistic influences include western classical music as well as bebop-era figures such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, reflected in arrangements that emphasize improvisation and tight horn lines. González’s contributions as pianist and arranger shape much of the album feel, while Núñez anchors the project with a broad range of percussion and compositional direction.
Notable tracks include the savory “Mi Changüí,” built on the percussive foundation of changüí from Guantánamo, this track develops into a Latin jazz statement while retaining its montuno drive. Another favorite is the lovely piano, flute, and strings on “Juaco & Day”. This is a melodic sketch imprinted in Núñez’s childhood memory that evolves into a lyrical jazz miniature shaped by González’s arrangement and Núñez’s addition of cajón. It features Bill McBirnie on flute and the wonderful Dayramir González on piano.
“Afrocubanos” pays tribute to the Yoruba-derived batá drum traditions. The piece mixes sacred rhythms with layered horns and jazz phrasing.
‘Rumba de Solar’ is an ensemble-driven rumba cubana that higlights interplay between conga, clave, and jazz harmonies. It exemplifies the album’s fusion of neighborhood-rooted rhythms and improvisational language.
“Nostalgia” was written during Núñez’s early years in Canada. It captures displacement and longing through a romantic bolero form marked by sparse piano and a clarinet melody.
Lastly, “Ruta de la Clave” synthesizes the album’s themes, mixing traditional percussion with dense jazz harmony and vocal improvisation.
Born in Cuba and based in Toronto, Joaquín Núñez is a drummer, composer, and educator with a career spanning performance, pedagogy, and cultural exchange. He teaches at Humber College, leads the Brazilian Jazz Ensemble program, and has delivered workshops to over 15,000 students. Through his Rumberos J & D Company, Núñez organizes educational retreats in Cuba and tours across Latin America, promoting Afro-Latin traditions through direct engagement. His work includes performances with Chucho Valdés, Zucchero, and the Toronto production of The Lion King. He is endorsed by Tycoon Percussion, Evans Drumheads, and UFIP Cymbals.
Musicians: Joaquin Núñez on drums, percussion, and vocals; Dayramir Gonzalez on piano and keyboards, and vocals; Marta Elena on lead vocals; Joanna Majoko on lead vocals; Dyalis Núñez-Machado on vocals; Roberto Riveron on bass; Paco Luviano on bass; Alexander Brown on trumpet and flugelhorn; Jeff King on tenor sax; Luis Deniz on alto sax; Bill McBirnie on flute; Colleen Allen on clarinet; Esteban Vargas on violin and viola; Mark Daniels on sound effects.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
