A evaluate of a progressive jazz album, and ideas on progressive jazz (what else?)

At the moment I’m reviewing two items of music from the identical band, Cienfuegos, a 5 piece progressive jazz band primarily based in Guadalajara. They launch an album this yr, Viaje Adentro (Journey Inside) and a track, “Levitando” (Lifting), second track on the album, launched individually.  Each a should have’s for jazz followers.

Progressive jazz is an acquired style. It doesn’t comply with requirements rhythms (however typically makes use of them). Is usually cerebral, and introduces notes and sounds made by band members utilizing their devices in methods not typically present in “pop” music.  The result’s music that’s typically mesmerizing and mental on the identical time – Viaje Adentro is  that in spades. It’s music you hearken to together with your thoughts and muscle mass and ears – and someday with  them turned off so it’s the feeling and emotion that carries you.

Cienfuegos is made up of 5 very, very gifted musicians who create this mesmerizing and cerebral music: The group consists of Paco Pérez-Rul (Guitar), Chen Quintero  (Saxophone), Gilberto Ríos (double bass) and Esteban Zamora (drums), in addition to its first singer, Libni Casher.

In Viaje Adentro  these 5 individuals have created one thing distinctive. You’ll be able to’t dance to it, however you’ll be able to dream to it, and you may dream you’re dancing. And you may create your personal story to it. That’s as a result of Viaja Adentro is strictly what its identify means – it’s a journey you’re taking inside, studying the street indicators and following the landmarks that the songs deliver you as they circulation into your ears and thru your cerebellum. It permits you to create the journey, however it helps present you the paths.

And the paths differ. “Entre Ruinas” reveals you jungle paths; “Viaje Adentro” offers you landmarks in a complicated metropolis; “La Sombra” allows you to dance by a backyard; “Expiral” and “Oleaje” take you thru film units, caves, laboratories. Every track is a special journey in your inside, however because the gamers commerce off and harmonize they take you in, welcome you as greater than only a listener, however a fellow traveler.

Which brings me to “Levitando” the place you’re undoubtedly a fellow traveler.   Libni Casher, whose vocals assist energy the entire songs, however as notes somewhat than phrases, takes this to pop and rock territory (emphasised by a little bit guitar shredding by Paco Pérez-Rul). A rare singer with exact vocal management who additionally information folks and conventional Mexican songs like “La Llorona”, she  brings not solely goddess vitality to the music, however a brand new depth and vary that makes it shine and glitter. She is a current addition to the previously all instrumental group, and a transformative one.

As I stated above, trendy progressive jazz is an acquired style, one which I didn’t have till I moved to Mexico 4 years in the past. I used to be very lucky that quickly after shifting right here, I met Gilberto Rios, the double bass participant in Cienfuegos (and different bands), who helped me purchase that style.

Whether or not you’ve got acquired it or not, Viaje Adentro will tackle an unforgettable journey, and also you gained’t even have to depart your earbuds.

Patrick O’Heffernan