Vocalists have played an integral part in the development of many jazz instrumentalists sound. In an effort to better connect with audiences, musicians have adapted techniques involving phrasing, timbre, and inflection to emulate the sounds of the human voice. Saxophonist and flautist Jane Bunnett was drawn early to vocals and uses them as the bedrock of her new recording Embracing Voices. Another of Bunnett s passions is Afro Cuban music, a genre that she has been fortunate to experience in her work with the master musicians of Cuba. Embracing Voices features a fantastic Afro Cuban, a cappella vocal choir called Grupo Vocal Desandann. The Afro Cuban and Haitian rooted singers are used prominently on all the compositions, which are a mixture of original songs, traditional Cuban songs, and jazz standards that were arranged by Bunnett. The group benefits from the addition of vocalist/lyricist Kellylee Evans, who takes lead vocals on a number of tracks. The combination of Afro Cuban rhythm, soaring vocals and Bunnett s abilities as performer and composer makes Embracing Voices a captivating and soulful musical experience.