By Glenn Astarita
Argentina frequently serves as a haven or perhaps showroom for modernists who span various art forms, i.e. avant-garde composers, progressive rock bands, and astute prophets of the jazz vernacular, as we cite three noteworthy recordings by two of ArgentinaÃÂs most prominent jazz musicians: Guillermo Bazzola and Ernesto Jodos.
Guitarist, lecturer, teacher, and composer Guillermo Bazzola has performed with internationally recognized musicians such as trombonist Conrad Herwig, the late pianist Don Pullen, bassist Santi DeBriano and others of note. Bazzola has also studied with New York City-based guitar legend John Abercrombie and has attended numerous clinics while also exhibiting his articulate pen when writing about jazz for various music related periodicals.
Composer/pianist/educator Ernesto Jodos received a scholarship from Boston MassachusettsÃÂ, renowned ÃÂBerklee College of MusicÃÂ and has been a vital component of the South American jazz scene while also appearing in numerous festivals/clubs in and around the New York City area. Jodos has studied with Hal Crook, Ed Bedner and Ray Santisi and has the been recipient of several music related awards, while also fronting his piping hot modern jazz outfit, ÃÂSextetoÃÂ (sextet).
For additional information check out the artistÃÂs websites:
Guillermo Bazzola website
Ernesto Jodos website
Guillermo BazzolaÃÂs ÃÂSummer QuartetÃÂ CD, titled 3D features the guitarist along with fellow countrymen, saxophonist Rodrigo Dominguez, bassist Rodolfo Paccepelo and drummer Hernan Mandelman. With this release, the quartetÃÂs musical output does indeed parallel a hot summers day as the band offers the listener a bit of respite via breezy, counterbalancing themes and the leaderÃÂs Grant Green-style chord voicings and feathery single note leads, which is evident on the opener, ÃÂSambetaÃÂ. Here and throughout, Bazzola and Dominguez render simply stated elegance amid animated unison choruses intricate dialogue and lightly swinging motifs in concurrence with the rhythm sectionÃÂs agile accompaniment. On ÃÂPequeninoÃÂ, the group melds a soft bossa nova pulse with Horace Silver-like grooves and commendable utilization of depth and space, while BazzolaÃÂs sparkling mid-toned electric guitar lines spur the quartet into a shifty swing vamp, boasting lyrically charged harmonies atop DominguezÃÂ soul-drenched articulations. Essentially, the soloistÃÂs make every note count as they economize their notions via explicit statements and intuitive interplay within the context of BazzolaÃÂs often-enticing compositions. Hence, similar attributes also surface on pianist Ernesto JodosÃÂ sextet recording, ÃÂSextetoÃÂ. On this outing, Jodos directs cornetist Enrique Norris, saxophonists, Carlos Lastra and Natalio Sued, along with bassist Hernan Merlo and drummer Sergio Verdinelli, whereas, drummer Oscar Giunta, percussionist Richard Nant and vocalist Gabriela Comte contribute their wares on selected tracks.
JodosÃÂ musical visions and actualizationÃÂs might spark fond memories of those classic 1960ÃÂs ÃÂBlue Note RecordsÃÂ recordings as the sextet pursues buoyant themes and tightly integrated horn charts amidst JodosÃÂ peppery chord voicings and fluent comping. Boasting radiant soloing and hard-bop style swing vamps, the ensemble places subtle emphasis on hushed tones or skirts the fringes of free jazz on pieces such as ÃÂIncipitÃÂ. Tenor saxophonist Carlos Lastra strikes an uncanny resemblance to the great Wayne Shorter on ÃÂOpinones CruzadasÃÂ, as he explores various registers with jagged declarations while the band skillfully alters, deconstructs, and spins the tempo around in circular fashion, consummated by clarinetist Natalio SuedÃÂs endearing melodies.
Guillermo Bazzola and Ernesto Jodos do indeed represent some of ArgentinaÃÂs most prolific and well-schooled jazz artists, as the musicians link their respective talents for an altogether lovely duet recording titled, Long Ago. Again, sophisticated elegance and compassionate dialogue signifies the elixir for success, as Bazzola and Jodos inject their distinct personalities into this universal language we call jazz!
Contact Guillermo Bazzola via email: ghbazzola@yahoo.com
Contact Ernesto Jodos via email: bflat@arnet.com.ar
