Devon MacKenzie
News contributor
An exciting blend of culturally distinct music is on its way to Oak Bay in the form of David Buchbinder’s Odessa/Havana.
The eight-person band made up of top jazz and world musicians plays a blend of what Buchbinder calls “pan-Jewishsounding” music and Latin music co-composed by Buchbinder and Cuban-Canadian pianist Hilario Duran.
Buchbinder says that while the cities of Odessa and Havana are oceans apart, each of their rich cultures is rooted inrhythmic drive and strong spiritual foundations.
“It might seem like an unlikely combination, but when you hear it, you get it,” Buchbinder told the Oak Bay News.
“It feels very natural and it’s a very accessible sound,” he continued. “If you like music that is warm and exciting and real,you’re going to love this.”
Buchbinder said he feels the group is a very Canadian representation of diversity.
“In my mind it’s a very Canadian project in the sense that we’ve managed to create a new sound with the cultures we camefrom. And it’s all taken place in the melting pot that is Canada and more specifically, Toronto. It really shows the power ofcross-cultural connection, and if you look at the people in the band we’re from all over the world,” Buchbinder explained.
Recognized in both the world music and jazz realms, Odessa/Havana received a Juno Award in 2014 for World Music Albumof the Year with their album Walk to the Sea and a Canadian Folk Music Award for World Group of the Year in 2008.
“Audiences say it’s an amazing musical journey. People can look forward to really strong rhythms and complex musicallines. The best way to explain it is to expect the unexpected. That’s one of the great things about this band is that itdoesn’t really sound like anything else,” Buchbinder said.
“If you’re into world music or folk, you’ll enjoy it. If you’re into jazz, there’s killer interplay and improv in the show. There’ssomething for everyone,” he added.
The show is on Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m. at Dave Dunnet Community Theatre at Oak Bay High.
Tickets are $32 in advance and $35 at the door and are available at the Victoria Jazz Society Office, Lyle’s Place, and theRoyal and McPherson Box Office.
For more information see jazzvictoria.ca.