Justin Vasquez | Triptych

Tags

Jazz, Justin Vasquez, Saxophone

As music lovers, we often complain about not having the perfect combination of artistic value which encompasses the details of improvised solos, vivacious melodies and grueling rhythmic structure. Well my beloved jazz enthusiasts, I beg to differ. 2009 was indeed a very rewarding year musically. Case in point, saxophonist Justin Vasquez’s record “Triptych,” is one of many reasons to celebrate the wealth of music by artists of his stature that’s currently recording tangible music. “Triptych,” by definition is a “picture, or a craving in three panels side by side.” The music expressions by Vasquez are definitive in nature, this vast portrait of compassion is painted with various colors, textures and improvised nuances appealing to those seeking a unique yet provocative sound driven with the prowess of lush arrangements that are artfully executed by Vasquez. ~ Rob Young

Justin Vasquez | Triptych – [Justin Vasquez, 2009]

Justin Vasquez - Triptych

In a word, blindsided. I put this disc on with expectations of mediocrity. I figured maybe one or two tracks would be listenable. I could not have been more wrong.

Vasquez’s alto sound is reminiscent of Kenny Garrett, but his ideas are very individual and refreshing. It’s the kind of sound I have been looking for on my alto. His soprano sound is great too. Rogers’ guitar playing reminds me of some of my favorite Pat Metheny solos. Really great work by the rest of the band as well.

Now on to the composing. Vasquez’s originals are just great. “Triptych” and “Nimbus” are very dense and harmonically interesting, while “Fields” is reminiscent of the best Metheny/Mays compositions. His rendition of Bronislaw Kaper’s “Invitation” and Washington/Young’s “Stella by Starlight” are amazing reinterpretations of jazz classics.

I’m very excited for what comes next for Vasquez, but for now, “Triptych” will enjoy a very long residence at the top of my list of favorite albums. —Matthew Lanka / Amazon.com

..:: Source: Notes on Jazz ::..

Infinite Quintet | Speak Slowly

Tags

European Jazz, Infinite Quintet, Jazz

The European jazz scene has contributed and maintained their steadfast presence around the global as being a creative voice, one that’s stimulating, vibrant and fresh over the years. Upcoming artists like the guys from Czech called the Infinite Quintet are poignant at making their imprint felt with their debut “Speak Slowly.” This project captures the essence of innovation with an imaginative spirit by gaining ground from the core of this provocative movement! ~ The Urban Flux

Infinite Quintet | Speak Slowly – [Animal Music Label, 2009]

Infinite Quintet - Speak Slowly

Infinite Quintet came into being in 2006 at Jazz Faculty of Jaroslav Jezek’s College in Prague, where the trumpet player Miroslav Hloucal and the saxophonist Petr Kalfus met as students. Together with double-bass player Petr Dvorsky, drummer Martin Novak and pianist Viliam Beres, they established a young jazz quintet. They often take part in other interesting music projects appearing both on Czech as well as international music scenes.

Infinite Quintet’s music interfuses current mainstream jazz components together with modern European understanding of jazz. Since its birth, the band tries to find its own interpretation and way of music. They too have been inspired by performances of varied artists, such as Terence Blanchard, Kenny Wheeler, Chris Potter, Michael Brecker, Avishai Cohen and many others.

Marcos Valle | Escape

Tags

Bossa Nova, Brazilian Music, Composer, Male Vocalist, Marcos Valle

Marcos Valle | Escape – [Far Out Recordings, 2002]

Marcos Valle - Escape

I was taken by surprise by this album by Marcos Valle, one of the most significant song writers in Brazilian music. I found it curious it was released on the UK Brazilcentric indie label Far Out Recordings that’s also been releasing new recordings from Joyce. This album is rich in melody and arrangement. Key tracks are the intro title track ‘Escape‘ and also ‘On Line‘. Over all this is one album that just flows and Marcos is in top form. I easily have this CD on rotate and it’s one you just want to hear again after a single listen. It’s become one of my favorite albums. I’m looking forward to hearing his latest 2003 release also on Far Out ‘Contrasts‘. Serious Marcos Valle fans may want to hear MPB crooner Emílio Santiago’s 2000 Sony Epic release ‘Bossa Nova‘. He performs a sublime new composition by Valle called ‘Doce Viver‘.

The accompanying DVD is a live Epic promotional performance (in front of an audience of Santiago’s friends – noted celebrities and the cream of Rio society) at the Copacobana Balace. The performance features Valle performing ‘Doce Viver‘. However, back to ‘Escape‘ – it’s a CD that won’t disappoint and only further substantiates Valle’s contribution to Brazilian song. —Brasileirismo

..:: Source: Amazon.com ::..