Colette Michaan: “Earth Rebirth” (2023) CD Review

Colette Michaan is a flutist based in New York. She is of Egyptian and Syrian heritage, and she finds inspiration for her music in different cultures and places. Though she has been performing for several decades, she did not release her first album as band leader until 2004. That album, First Cause, contained some original material as well as covers, and was followed by Querencia in 2010, Incarnate Encarna in 2014, and Heaven And Earth – Cielo Y Tierra in 2017. Her newest album, Earth Rebirth, released late last year, features mostly covers, along with an improvised piece. Joining her on this album are Leo Genovese on piano and keyboards, John Benitez on acoustic bass, Luisito Quintero on timbales, and Yusnier Sanchez Bustamante on congas and cajon, with vocalist Mireya Ramos performing on two tracks.

The album opens with that group improvisation, “Earth Rebirth,” the title track. Immediately we are transported to a distant place, and perhaps time, when nature was still beloved and feared for its power. We can feel that power rumbling even as Colette Michaan communicates with nature with her flute, calling to it while also being a part of it. There is something fierce here, and something beautiful. Though we would be foolish to try to control nature’s power, we find we are able to join it, to engage in this primal dance. And there is a sense of urgency, as if this great source of power itself has something to fear or is in danger. And of course it is, isn’t it?  But the dance continues, and the world opens up to usher in something new. That’s followed by a cover of “Campiña,” written by Orlando Valle and recorded by Afro Cuban Jazz Project. John Benitez starts this rendition on bass, and quickly a cool rhythm is established. When Colette Michaan comes in on flute, the track takes on that familiar sound and vibe, and everything comes together. This is one of the tracks to feature Mireya Ramos on vocals, and she delivers an excellent performance, as you’d expect from the award-winning vocalist and founder of Flor De Toloache. This track also features some fantastic work on drums and percussion.

Colette Michaan’s rendition of “El Raton” has an interesting opening, particularly the work on percussion. That rhythm keeps us on our toes, keeps us engaged. There are also some unexpected touches on keys, while the flute has a soothing quality. The piece then builds from there. I love that repeated theme on flute in the middle, and the piano lead toward the end. And just before the track concludes, Mireya Ramos comes in on vocals. “El Raton” was written by Cheo Feliciano and Nick Jimenez. This arrangement is by John Benitez. That’s followed by “Ni Contigo Ni Sin Ti,” written by Jose Manuel Ortega Heredia. This track too has a compelling opening, setting us in some mysterious land. It then suddenly kicks in, taking on a prominent rhythm, one that invites us to dance. There is a wonderful joy to the playing. There are even hand-claps. This track features more impressive work on piano, plus some fantastic work on bass. It is the flute that is the voice that carries us through, that speaks to us, engages us.

Colette Michaan then turns to a piece by Charles Mingus, “Reincarnation Of A Lovebird.” There is an improvised feel to the beginning of the track, like the world waking up, taking a look around, stretching its wings. It then settles into that great rhythm. There is a magical moment nearly three minutes in when the piano and flute slow down and take on a rather sweet tone, before the track returns to that rhythm. That isn’t the only hint of magic, however. There is something of that feel running through the piece, along with a good deal of cheer, particularly in the piano work and of course in the flute, especially toward the end. That’s one of my favorite sections of the entire album. The album then concludes with a cover of “Throw It Away,” written by Abbey Lincoln. This is a song that Colette Michaan also included on her 2014 album Incarnate Encarna. This new version has a more exciting opening, and there is more going on with the rhythm, so, yes, I prefer this track. I love the way her flute soars during her lead.

CD Track List

1. Earth Rebirth
2. Campiña
3. El Raton
4. Ni Contigo Ni Sin Ti
5. Reincarnation Of A Lovebird
6. Throw It Away

Earth Rebirth was released on October 15, 2023.