For those unaware, Dave Schumacher’s current ensemble, Cubeye, is an Afro-Latin jazz septet based in New York. The group reflects his lifelong devotion to the deep interconnection between jazz and Afro-Cuban music; and they are set to release their impending album Aqua Con Gas on April 17th, 2026.

With Agua Con Gas, Dave brings together the full arc of his musical life — decades of touring, deep immersion in Afro-Cuban traditions, and a lifelong devotion to the shared rhythmic language of jazz and Cuban music.

The album reflects long-standing collaborations, formative experiences, and a personal approach to rhythm and form shaped over time. The following notes offer insight into the music and the stories behind each composition and arrangement.

1. Agua Con Gas [6:31]
2. Yambú [7:11]
3. Al Rosé [7:05]
4. The Gypsy [8:23]
5. Amosaya [5:30]
6. Letters From Paris [6:23]
7. Cubism [6:46]
8. Barra-Cuber [6:36]
9. Prince of Darkness 7:04

Composed and arranged by Dave, and conceived in the spirit of Cubeye’s prime directive, this new recording opens on the upbeat and joyful Agua Con Gas and then we get brought forth the beautiful rhythmic hipsway of Yambú, the controlled freneticism of Al Rosé and the melodious The Gypsy.

Along next is the spirited Amosaya which is in turn backed seamlessly by the ambiently decadent Letters From Paris, the upbeat and colorful Cubism, the set rounding out on the emotively soaring Barra-Cuber, coming to a close on the free-flowingly impassioned Prince of Darkness.

Musicians:
Dave Schumacher: Baritone Saxophone; Alex Norris:Trumpet (1-3,5,9); Jesus Ricardo: Trumpet (4, 7-8); Peter Brainin: Tenor, Soprano Saxophones (1-3,5,9); Roger Rosenberg: Baritone Saxophone (7-8); Manuel Valera: Piano (1-3,5,9); Silvano Monasterios: Piano (4,6-8); Alex Apolo Ayala: Bass (1-3,5,9); Luques Curtis: Bass (4, 6-8); Yusnier Sanchez: Congas, Quinto (1-3,5,9); Mauricio Herrera: Congas (7-8), Cajon (4); Joel Mateo: Drums; Chegüi Metralla: Clave (2)

Official Purchase Link