Dec 26 2017
Best of 2017 #18: Fabian Almazan & Rhizome – “Alcanza” (Biophilia Records)
There’s a huge presence to the latest from Fabian Almazan and his ensemble Rhizome. The pianist’s theme of the individual’s connection to the environment plays out across a nine-movement suite, and its diverse mix of influences and instrumentation leads to heavy imagery and a sweeping grandeur. In particular, the vocal contributions from Camila Meza create a harmonic environment highly conducive to soaring melodies, and a string section that includes site-favorite Tomoko Omura adds a majestic quality to send those melodies even higher. It would appear from the very start, Alcanza had its sights set of a very high plateau. It’s not really a question of whether it was achieved, because the true joy of this album is experienced by the way it takes flight. That journey leads to a wealth of thrilling moments.
Music from NYC.
Read more on Bird is the Worm.
Jan 27 2020
Best of 2019 #31: Fabian Almazan Trio – “This Land Abounds With Life”
Your album personnel: Fabian Almazan (piano, percussion, electronics), Linda May Han Oh (acoustic & electric basses), Henry Cole (drums), and guests: Megan Gould (violin), Monica Davis (violin), Karen Waltuch (viola) and Eleanor Norton (cello).
Released on Biophilia Records.
Music from New York City.
I wrote about this album for The Bandcamp Daily.
Listen | Read more | Available at: Bandcamp – Amazon
Like this:
By davesumner • Recap: Best of 2019 • 0 • Tags: Best Jazz of 2019, Biophilia Records, Fabian Almazan, New York City