Descarga Hunter

Latin

Descarga Hunter

"Descarga Hunter", an Afro Cuban Latin Jazz band based in Auckland, wows audiences with their unique and infectious blend of world music and energetic performances.

Their unique approach to traditional world music mixed with cutting edge contemporary jazz has been recognized as a highly sought after original Kiwi sound.  Influences include Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, Bali, and India and the end result is a unique combination of jazz, rock, salsa, Afro Cuban and classical music.

The group usually plays as a jazz quartet with Miho Wada on flute (the only Cuban-trained flute player currently performing in New Zealand), Colin Hunter on bass (founder of Colin Hunter Quintet), John McNab on guitars and effects and Alistair Deverick on drums.
 
Miho Wada was born in Tokyo, and grew up in both Japan and Christchurch, New Zealand, starting her musical training at the age of three on piano at the Yamaha School of Music. She also took up the trumpet, marimba, snare drum, accordion, recorders and alto saxophone before finally discovering the flute.

Spotted by Nigel Kennedy at the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in 2003, she performed jazz trio concerts with him worldwide, before travelling to Cuba and training under members of the Sierra Maestra and the Buena Vista Social Club, who she performed alongside during the Havana International Jazz Festival.

In 2009 she toured with everyone from Ska Cubano to Neil Finn and Fat Freddy’s Drop, and is currently recording her new album in collaboration with Colin Hunter.