Diego Barber -|- Calima

Tags

Diego Barber, Flamenco, Guitar, Jazz

Diego Barber - Calima

Diego Barber -|- Calima – [Sunnyside Records, 2009]

Flamenco: that ancient and adaptable Spanish musical genre is no stranger to jazz, as evidenced by the brilliant work of Miles Davis, Al Di Meola and Chick Corea. Now, on his jazz debut, the astounding Canary Islands-born guitarist Diego Barber, upgrades that artform for the 21st century on his new recording Calima, backed by an impressive all-American ensemble featuring tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, drummer Jeff Ballard and bassist Larry Grenadier.

Inspired by the tradewinds that blow from North Africa to his home island, Barber s finessed and fluid guitar strains effortlessly marry Andalusia to the Big Apple throughout the CD s eight tracks. Piru, Lanzarote, and 190 East dance and trance with intricate medium tempos, contrasted by the rock/funk Weather Report-ish Catalpa and Virgianna. Richi is coded with a martial Quixote-like drumbeat, while Air begins with a soft machined intro that morphs into a near-R&B rhythm then nearly deconstructs into a free-jazz zone. On all of the tracks, the American rhythm section laced by Turner s snaky sax lines provides the perfect propulsions and syncopated support for Barber to work his dexterous, fleet-fingered magic.

Justin Janer -|- Following the Signs (Review)

Tags

Jazz, Justin Janer, Saxophone

Justin Janer - Following the Signs

Justin Janer -|- Following the Signs – [Janer Music, 2010] – Review –

“Following the Signs,” by the Grammy-nominated Seattle born LA raised saxophonist Justin Janer pours his soul through the rim of cool steel with power, and grace in a finely progressive tone which echoes the scrupulous nuances that are readily accessible to those who eagerly pursue jazz in this context.

Out the box, Janer solidifies his position as a promising young songwriter with a tune titled “Bright New Day.” Accompanied by a stellar cast including the gifted Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet, Fabian Almazan – piano, Sebastian Cruz plays guitar on “Fidelity,” Ruben Samama – bass, Michael W. Davis – drums on “Following the Signs, Fidelity, Loss, & California Sky” and Will Clark – plays drums on “Bright New Day, Alice in Wonderland & Bump.” Janer on “Bright New Day” navigates his way slowly through the passages with playful harmonic fluidity joined by the impressive interplay of his splendid cast adds a seasoned touch of modern bopology which accentuates this gorgeous portrait of sounds.