Rebecca Cline and Hilary Noble: Enclave Diaspora

In its basic meaning, an Enclave is a community of people separated or enclosed from others. By contrast, Diaspora is the casting out of such a community—people forced from their home land. Rebecca Cline and Hilary Noble bring those ideals together with Enclave Diaspora, a collection of songs that represent musicians' artistic similarities as well as their diverse backgrounds.

Cline, a pianist, and Noble, a saxophonist and percussionist, founded Enclave in 2003. The group performs a mix of Afro-Latin and jazz styles. In 2007, the quartet—which included Fernando Huergo on electric bass and Steve Langone on drums—received a New Works Commission from Chamber Music America. In addition to tenor sax, Noble plays flute, congas, djembe and cajon. Langone also plays chocalho and pandeiro, and Cline plays Fender Rhodes.

Noble breaks out the flute on the playful "Rue de Buci," one of nine original songs, eight of which are co-penned by Cline and Noble. Cline brings the Fender Rhodes. While Noble carries the freestyle lead, the other players jam in accompaniment, though it would be misleading to say that they're in the background. Cline's solo is a throwback to 1970s fusion sounds of players like Joe Sample and Pete Jackson. During one exchange, Noble and Langone show off their percussive skills.

"Iya Modupue" begins slowly and subtly. At times, the tenor sax phrasing brings to mind the Christmas classic, "Silent Night," but this song is anything but a carol. About two minutes in, the piano signals the transition. With subtle touches from Huergo and Langone, Noble takes the tenor on a journey of improv. Gradually, the intensity builds from all players, particularly Huergo. Nobles' tenor wails during the more passionate moments. The song reverts to the subtle melody before the tranquil closing notes.

Huergo lays down a funky bass line to introduce "Ocean Mother," a traditional song arranged here by Cline and Noble. Cline, in synch with the rest of the ensemble, seems to follow her own direction as Langone mixes in several light drum rolls. Noble layers his lead with the thematic melody repeated throughout the song and a complementary ad-lib.

Enclave Dispora is as its name implies. These four musicians are a unit, yet their individuality shines throughout. And the music covers several styles, including Brazilian, fusion and funk.

Visit Rebecca Cline and Hilary Noble on the web.