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Baldo Martinez: Cuarteto Europa
ByOpener "Isla De Piedra" has an intriguing compositional structure. After a reflective rubato opening and a free violin solo the band comes together for a sprightly double-time free-bop theme. A trombone solo comes out of that, followed by an unaccompanied bass solothen a reprise of the opening theme. The performance demonstrates the balance between composition and freedom common to the entire album, as well as the gifts of the band members.
"La Travesía" is built on a bass ostinato pattern, played very freely until Martínez finally drops it altogether (but not without maintaining the pulse, even walking a bit). "Vuelta De Tuerca" features Pifarely's violin in the beginning, playing a kind of cadenza with band interjections: the bridge again brings the group together for a new theme. "Sombra" is a sombre rubato exercise for the entire ensemble. "Tiempo Perdido" opens with a reflective unaccompanied trombone solo from Blaser, eventually bringing the quartet together for a theme and solos.
Lopez's "Contemplando (Contemplating)" is indeed a contemplative drum solo. "Puente Del Estrecho" gives him a chance to utilize his Indian classical music studies for a bit of tabla playing. After a jerky introduction, closer "Locura Otoñal" launches into the most rhythmic music in the set, an exciting up-tempo dash to the finish line. And a fine ending to a satisfying collection of creative contemporary jazz.
Track Listing
Isla De Piedra; La Travesía; Vuelta De Tuerca; Sombra; Viaje Ons; Tiempo Perdido; Contemplando; Puente Del Estrecho; Locura Otoñal.
Personnel
Baldo Martínez, double bass; Dominique Pifarely, violin; Samuel Blaser, trombone; Ramón López, drums.
Album information
Title: Cuarteto Europa | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Karonte Records
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