Hilario Durán is a don among Cuban jazz pianists, who while by no means untouchable, rank among the most rhythmic players in the world. This comeback album sees the Toronto-based bandleader, composer, arranger and musician in situ at Egrem Studios, Havana's very own Abbey Road, playing boleros and danzons and reuniting with old compadres and forging musical links with new collaborators including rising-star vocalist and bata drum practitioner Brenda Navarrette, an erstwhile fixture of famed Havana jazz collective Interactivo, and reconnecting with the one and only Chucho Valdés, a big influence (and big admirer of Durán's), with whom Durán did a concert with two pianos – Chick and Herbie style – in Essen, Germany, last year. Durán's lyrical, more precise approach works well against the great man's chewy, percussive chords on ‘Duo Influenciado’, an album highlight; other standouts include two tracks recorded with folkloric group Rumberos de Cuba, their Yoruba chants grounding Durán's playing, reinforcing its authenticity.