CD/LP/Track Review
Pablo Ablanedo Octet: From Down There (2001)
Glenn Astarita
Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.
Music is a universal language, although modern jazz tends to enjoy its fair share of transformations and modifications. This notion is outwardly recognizable on this release by Argentine pianist/composer Pablo Ablanedo. While calling Boston, MA home these days, the artist divides his time between education, composition, and performing. With this release, Ablanedo integrates some of the sounds and musical structures originating from within the Spanish heritage, whereby the composer melds serenading themes with chromatic horn charts and jazzy arrangements. However, the leader and his musical associates display some restraint amid a series of pieces that often presage a finite storyline, thanks in part to Ablanedo's penchant for detail and ability to flirt with various stylistic components.
The band pursues vivid imagery on the piece "Dreaming," featuring trumpeter Avishai Cohen and electric guitarist Juancho Herrera's softly stated exchanges atop a dirge like pulse that alludes to subliminally joyous overtones. The musicians' regal pronouncements, endearing melodies and multi-layered tonalities transmit a sense of well-being, evidenced on "La Viajera" and throughout. Therefore, this outing effectively presents the listener with a program consisting of the artist's shrewdly concocted compositions that touch upon a myriad of divergent frameworks. Essentially, Ablanedo possesses all of the goods necessary to become a major force in modern jazz. Recommended.
Track Listing: 1. From Down There 2. Para Dejar 3. El Acecho 4. Dreaming 5. La Viajera 6. Claroscuro 7. U.M.M.G. 8. Chacarera de la Esperanza 9. Dreaming (a cappella
Personnel: Jenny Scheinmann: violin
Record Label: Blue Moon
