Gili Lopes: Algures

Bassist, composer, musical director and producer Gili Lopes is nothing if not an astute judge of talent. After all, for Algures (from an old Portuguese word meaning 'somewhere'), he has recruited a redoubtable case of accompanists, not the least of whom is saxophonist John Ellis, he of fruitful collaborations with Charlie Hunter and Miguel Zenon among others, as well as a string of diverse albums under his own name such as Dance Like There's No Tomorrow (Hyena, 2008) and Puppet Mischief (ObliqSound, 2010).

To be fair, however, North Carolina native Ellis is not the only participant of great empathy here (besides the leader of course). All five musicians, conspicuously including drummer Ari Hoenig and percussionist Rogerio Boccato, tightly knit together their interpretations of Lopes' six originals and two covers from the iconic likes of Wayne Shorter and Milton Nascimento. The resulting unity is that of a bonafide band replete with a chemistry of its own which never obscures the talents of the individuals.

Quite the contrary as, at the very outset of "Antalya," each player contributes to the moody, spacious atmosphere in his own way. At once cool and heated, the smoothly-executed interplay sparkles, ultimately becoming all the more striking for the natural self-discipline at the heart of the instrumental ebb and flow. "De Longe" is not much less memorable, only more thoroughly subdued. The man with the horn once again leads the way but, hardly to be superseded as bandleader, Lopes reaffirms the direction of the ensemble with his own pointed playing. Meanwhile, pianist Helio Alves and guitarist Vinicius Gomes contrast their respectively pointed and fluid tones with each other and their comrades.'

In keeping with the concept for Algures as something of a sonic travelog of Lopes' global adventures (an idea further reflected in the cover photo picturing him with his 'luggage'), the speed and intensity of the eight tracks varies; in metaphorical terms, the quintet makes good rapid time on "The Fortress" and lingers to sightsee during "Famara." Regardless of tempo, however, each cut of the eight is a crystal-clear rendition of the compositions and the streamlined arrangements thereof.

Cleanly recorded by Mark Urselli, then mixed by David Darlington (who mastered along with Alex Deturk), the no-frills audio mirrors the deceptively straightforward but ambitious approach that pervades this music. Thus, it is only fitting that Gili Lopes' deliberate fingering of his double bass conjures the thoughtful air permeating the closer, "Barrinha." Expert track sequencing logic aside, the purposeful positioning of this track allows for reflection upon the distance(s), psychic and otherwise, which these five musicians cover during the slightly more than sixty minutes of Algures.