2023 NativeDSD Album of the Year – Latin Music

Cuban Fantasy is a new album from the Witmer Trio on the Sound Liaison label.  It follows up their earlier album Free: Soulful Piano Reflections which offers mellow and jazzy takes in a full album worth of Soul classics from the ‘70s and ‘80s.

This album marks a return to the origins of Witmer Trio. Delving into the salsa, cha-cha, bolero, bachata, and cumbia traditions of the music of Latin America. The Trio is joined by special guest Jan-Luc van Eendenburg on congas and bongos, completing the album’s Latin flavor.

Co-Producer Peter Bjørnild says “I have had the privilege of witnessing the Trio’s development since its inception. This album not only pays homage to their origins but also showcases the Trio’s collective life experience, enhancing the artists’ individual craftsmanship. In Cajan Witmer’s cantabile interpretation, the melody emerges stronger and more mature than ever. One can clearly see these qualities are also true for bass player Han Slinger and drummer Maarten Kruijswijk. After more than 25 years of close collaboration, their rhythmic foundation has become even more robust, creating a superb basis for Witmer’s refined melodic improvisations. I deeply admire Cajan Witmer’s arrangements, as they breathe new life into classics while maintaining a clear respect for the original compositions.

Listeners will sense Witmer’s appreciation for the original pieces, as the music remains genuine and undistorted. In this new album, Witmer Trio skillfully weaves together the past and present in a most satisfying manner.”

Witmner Trio
Cajan Witmer – Piano
Han Slinger – Double Bass
Maarten Kruijswijk – Drums

Special Guest
Jan-Luc van Eendenburg – Percussion