Album Notes

SHANGÓ ASHÉ is an exciting and eclectic ensemble that draws on the vast knowledge and experience of its members.

With highly percussive rhythms as the driving force the groups original repertoire fuses elements from traditional folkloric melodies to the latest in Cuban Timba.

Jack Duncan the leader of Shango Ashé has been described as a rare musical talent that has the ability to play a staggering number of musical styles.

He is exceptional to the degree to which he has immersed himself in the culture and particularly the percussion music of West Africa and Cuba.Studying with master artists from a number of countries.

Jack started playing percussion at the age of fourteen and from the day that he bought his first set of congas became obsessed with immersing himself into the study of our world's music.

His never-ending quest for knowledge and belief in finding it at the source has taken him to such place as West Africa, where he studied with master drummers Dou Dou N'diaye Rose and Petit Toure director of National Ballet of Senegal.

From the routes of rhythm in Africa, Jack has traveled to where these rhythms have had major influences on local music, places such as Cuba where Jack has returned numerous times for periods of up to one year of studies with "Conjunto Folklorico Nacional De Cuba" "Los Muñequitos de Matanzas", conguero "Anga" and the legendary "Changuito".

Also a featured performer at the Havana Jazz Festival with "Pucho Lopez Ensemble".

Above all Jack is a performer and Juno award recipient that has appeared on over 35 C.D.s with groups such as"Chicago, Spirit of the West, Alpha Diallo" among others, leading to tours of India, Mexico, Europe and Canada.

Reviews

The Vancouver Courier - Chris Wong
I have been eagerly awaiting Vancouver's Shangó Ashé's second C.D. of Afro-Cuban music.

After listening to the disc I can say it's fantastic.

Led by percussionist Jack Duncan, the large group gives a bravura performance, including crisp horn playing and robust vocals.

Above all, Shangó delivers urgent rhythms,effectively conveying the vitality of Afro - Cuban grooves.

The album's title, Timba con Sandunga", refers to the funky timba style, which is currently hot in Cuba.

With help from Havana - based Jose ManuelSanchez, who mainly plays timbales, Shangó Ashé blends a Timba feel with folkloric and Latin - Jazz elements.

The result is a fresh approach far transcending formulaic salsa.

The Georgia Straight
Tony Montague Thirteen artists were involved in the making of local Afro-Cuban jazz band Shango Ashe's latest release, and they give the album great sonic depth.

The music is driven throughout by the percussion of leader Jack Duncan on congas, Cajon, and the double- headed Bata drum (the instrument most associated with Shango,(the god of thunder in Cuba's Santaria religion).

But Timba con Sandunga satisfies on every level -- it's the product of a tight- yet-supple ensemble.The outstanding three-piece horn section is supplemented by Dennis Esson on Trombone and the ubiquitous Brad Turner (Metalwood),who contributes soaring trumpet on four tracks.

Timba con Sandunga is a fine album for dancing that rewards close listening as well.