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"Keyboardist Rafael Zaldivar invokes traditional Afro-Cuban spirituality in both his music and his message, but his thematic scope is far-ranging. His keyboard work is devoid of pyrotechnics; he uses space to create depth, then fills it with precisely articulated arpeggios and single-note punctuations to build a delicate tension. That tension is then dispelled by the broadening of the sonic spectrum to welcome in electric bass (Remi-Jean LeBlanc), percussion (hand drums, Amado Dedeu; traps, Dave Laing) and voices (Dedeu again; on one number, “Ache,” he’s joined by his son, Amado Jr.)—primarily chants and invocations drawn from religious rituals with their roots in Africa. At times, the mewl of Zaldivar’s Mini-Moog adds another element to the mix." - JazzTimes Consecration is Cuban-Canadian jazz artist Rafael Zaldivar's third release as bandleader. Rafael Zaldivar was born in Camagüey, Cuba. Coming from a family of musicians, he started playing percussion and piano at age 10 and pursued his undergraduate studies at the Superior Art Institute of Havana. Moving to Canada at age 22, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Montreal and a Master’s degree at McGill University within three years.