Carles Margarit: Ah

An active member of the thriving jazz climate of Barcelona, saxophonist Carles Margarit is one of the city's rising musicians, involved in many music outlets in performing, composing, and leading his own group. His debut recording features a quintet with two saxophones, piano, and rhythm section. The opening title piece, loosely translated as "There You Remain, has a soulfully up-tempo vamp and informs your ears that this group can seriously play—with strong saxophone harmonies and dynamic piano work, driven by a fiery bass and drum section.

But to also prove a point in terms of scope and contrast, the next piece, "Cançó de bressol per a la Joana, is quietly introspective—again marked by a soft tenor and alto harmony with distinct contributions from each musician. Margarit shows fine composing skills, penning six of the eight pieces. "By Myself, which includes stirring piano work by José Reinoso, has a chameleon-like subtleness with elements of modernism, avant-garde, and ethnic roots. You can hear both historic Harlem and current hip-hop rhythms on "Bee Bop, which features some exceptional solos by Margarit's smooth tenor and his alto complement, Raül Reverter.

Margarit reconsiders history with deep admiration on the unspoken dedication titled "Dear John, as his tenor fervently echoes homage to John Coltrane with music that imbues a sense of spiritualism. Whether giving new life to the Hammerstein/Kern classic "The Song is You," the head-bopping groove of "Scoop, or the lush bass/sax duo remake of "Loverman, at 42 minutes Ahi- te quedas is a brief but satisfying recording that reflects both the past and the present.

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