Carles Margarit Group: Ahi Te Quedas

The CD booklet has little text, but there are photographs of each musician. These are young players, Spanish young lions, and based on the performances on this CD, they show some real promise. The leader is a somewhat reserved player whose lines are marked with a dry lyricism. But he swings, and if perhaps he resolves too many phrases on the tonic or dominant tone of a chord, he also takes some real chances, and displays subtlety and harmonic daring as well. Reverter, on alto sax, is more flamboyant than Margarit, and makes a fine foil for the tenor man.

However, the strongest asset of this band is its powerful, extroverted rhythm section. The time bubbles, and drummer Gomez powers the music with enthusiasm and elan. Pianist Jose Reinoso is a splashy, creative soloist and his comping has genuine rhythmic thrust, and bassist Ferrer has a big, vibrant tone and solid time.

The music of the Carles Margarit band isn't revolutionary or earth-shaking. Instead, it's heartwarming, for it displays young musicians in another part of the world, taking joy in making music, jazz music. The burgeoning Barcelona scene is well served by this tasty, unpretentious album.

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