“In a remarkably fertile period for Latin-infused jazz in New York, the drummer Dafnis Prieto stands out for his energy, his creativity and, perhaps most of all, his borderless musical worldview.”

“Cuban drummer/percussionist Dafnis Prieto is a wunderkind who absorbs various musical channels and influences, not just Afro-Cuban music. With violinist Christian Howes, keyboardist Jason Lindner and others, the quintet sprinkles the Latin jazz genre with East Indian modal practices, turbulent groove-based movements and more. Prieto’s compositions, which feature strings, horns and fast-moving thematic forays, are firmed up with strong melody lines and breakneck speed diversions. But it all makes near-perfect sense. Not only is Prieto carving out an impressive sideman persona, but he’s also looming as a forward-thinking jazz acolyte who mingles enviable chops with a new approach to modern jazz.”

“… An all-round major musician and unquestionably one of the important leaders of the innovative New Latin Jazz movement currently coming out of New York.”