Ernesto Diaz-Infante: Ucross Journal

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: November 1, 1999

It’s an interesting concept. Let the piano chords paint images for you and ignore most of the other elements that make music what it is. Tonal relationships offer impressions. Most of us agree on the various moods that can be portrayed. A happy-go-lucky stroll through daisy-covered fields? No problem. The impending violence that issues from a demonic winter storm? Easy.

Ernesto Diaz-Infante’s latest album follows the pattern of his itz’at in that he provides only sustained piano chords throughout the program. They’re repeated, arpeggiated, altered, given plenty of time for the impression to sink in, and then it’s time for another snapshot. The inspiration comes from Diaz-Infante’s residency at The Ucross Foundation in Ucross, Wyoming. Dividing his journal into 30 tracks to represent different aspects of the wide-open rural landscape, the composer deals with impressions common to all of us. High plains, rolling fields, a winding creek, rutted roads, gray skies, and new fallen snow offer the same distinct mental pictures to all of us. Similarly, the pianist’s impressionistic offering gives the listener a relationship that is familiar to all. A creative artist, Diaz-Infante relates to the listener through a specific but familiar means. A brief biography is available over the ‘net.

Track Listing: Ucross Journal Weeks I-IV; Ucross Improvisations I-V.

Personnel: Ernesto Diaz-Infante- piano.

Record Label: Pax Recordings
Style: Fringes of Jazz