It’s pretty thrilling how each piece on Suite Salada begins as the thin flame of a solitary match and then gradually builds up to a raging conflagration. Albert Cirera and his Tres Tambors unit have an exquisite touch at modulating the intensity of a piece, with an eye on a finish line located at the extremes. But what marks this marvelous recording as something special is how the quartet focuses their lyricism through that torrent of intensity, and the miraculous way a melody not only retains its shape, but is able to express itself delicately when the moment calls. And while this music resonates with the jazz and folk of the Barcelona scene, there are passages on this recording that echo the joyful grooves of Keith Jarrett’s 1970s output with his American Quartet. That’s no small thing, and quite honestly, there should be a hell of a lot more of it. I’m more than a bit addicted to this recording. Results may vary… but probably not. Expect for this album to hit you like a drug.
Today’s videos feature ensembles that were among my monthly selections for Best of Bandcamp Jazz. 2017 saw a minimum of 120 recommendations, so it’s understandable that some might have fallen off the radar over the course of the year. Here’s a chance to reverse that trend and remind everyone…
The combination of vibraphone and accordion together, one element dancing spryly from note to note while the other drifts harmonics across the surface of the song is pretty well intoxicating, and it's just one of the many winning qualities on the debut recording from André Rosinha. Two saxophones help…
Some of you keep your distance from jazz recordings that feature the flute. Look, I understand. Perhaps more than any other instrument in jazz, flute is most precarious. Too much intensity, and it sounds panicked and desperate. Conversely, lower energies generate a sound that teeters on the edge of…
Dec 20 2017
Best of 2017 #40: Albert Cirera & Tres Tambors – “Suite Salada” (Underpool)
Music from Barcelona, Spain.
Read more on Bird is the Worm.
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Today’s videos feature ensembles that were among my monthly selections for Best of Bandcamp Jazz. 2017 saw a minimum of 120 recommendations, so it’s understandable that some might have fallen off the radar over the course of the year. Here’s a chance to reverse that trend and remind everyone…
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The combination of vibraphone and accordion together, one element dancing spryly from note to note while the other drifts harmonics across the surface of the song is pretty well intoxicating, and it's just one of the many winning qualities on the debut recording from André Rosinha. Two saxophones help…
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By davesumner • Recap: Best of 2017 • 0 • Tags: Jazz - Best of 2017