Mary Jane Bunnett, (born October 22, 1956) is a Canadian musician and educator. A soprano saxophonist, flautist and bandleader, she is especially known for performing Afro-Cuban jazz. She travels regularly to Cuba to perform with Cuban musicians.

Early life and education

She changed her instruments, from pursuing her career "as a classical pianist...at age 20 to jazz and to flute and soprano saxophone."

Career

Bunnett founded and leads an all-female Afro-Cuban/jazz group, Maqueque. Its other members are: Dánae Olano (vocals, piano), Yissy Garcia (drums), Magdelys Savigne (vocals, batá drums, congas); Elizabeth Rodriguez (vocals, violin), and Celia Jiménez (vocals, bass). || Cuban Odyssey

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| 2003 || American Jazz Writers’ Association Award || Best Latin Jazz Album || Cuban Odyssey

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| 2003 || Juno Award (nomination) || Best Global Recording || Cuban Odyssey

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| 2003 || Grammy Award (nomination) || Best Latin Jazz Recording || Cuban Odyssey

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| 2003 || Jazz Journalists Award || Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year|| Cuban Odyssey

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| 2003 || Juno Award (nomination) || Best Contemporary Jazz Album || Spirituals & Dedications

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| 2003 || Grammy Award (nomination) || Best Latin Jazz Album || Alma De Santiago

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| 2003 || Down Beat Award || Staff/Readers Poll for Rising Star, Flute/Saxophone||

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| 2002 || Juno Award (nomination) || Best Global Recording || Alma De Santiago

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| 2002 || Smithsonian Institution Award || || "for contributions and dedication to the development of Latin Jazz"

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| 2002 || Grammy Award (nomination) || Best Latin Jazz Recording || Alma De Santiago

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| 2002 || Canadian National Jazz Award || Saxophonist of the Year ||

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| 2002 || Down Beat Award || Critics’ Poll for Deserving of Wider Recognition, Flute ||

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| 2002 || Jazz Journalists Award || Best Latin Jazz Record || Alma De Santiago

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| 2001 || Jazz Journalists Award (nomination) || Best Soprano Saxophonist ||

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| 2001 || Down Beat Award || Critics’ Poll for Deserving of Wider Recognition, Flute ||

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| 1994 || Village Voice Award || Best Record of the Year || The Water is Wide

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| 1992 || Juno Award || Best Jazz Album || Spirits of Havana

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| 1991 || All-Music Guide Award || One of the Top 300 Jazz Discs of All Time || Spirits of Havana

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| 1988 || Juno Award (nomination) || || In Dew Time

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References

  • Official site
  • Jane Bunnett at The Canadian Encyclopedia