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About Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: El Muki
by Jack Bowers
Heavy rhythms rule the day on El Muki, the seventh recording by composer, arranger and trumpeter Gabriel Alegria's Afro-Peruvian Sextet, one that marks the group's 20th anniversary in 2025 by blending impactful elements of Peruvian, African and American jazz into a wholesome and flavorful banquet designed to whet the appetite of jazz aficionados of all persuasions. El Muki, according to the notes, is “a mythical Andean elf, traditionally believed to protect miners in the Peruvian highlands." He ...
Continue ReadingGabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: Diablo en Brooklyn
by Chris M. Slawecki
Gabriel Alegría is proud of the first five recordings by his Afro-Peruvian Sextet, but he's more proud of his sixth, Diablo en Brooklyn, than the rest. First, it's his first Sextet release completely recorded in Peru. Second, it reprises in-concert versions of band originals released on previous albums plus a twelve-minute hothouse expedition through the Gershwins' “Summertime," interspersed with a four-movement “Brooklyn Suite" loosely based on the “Son de los Diablos" tradition where mock devils parade through the streets of ...
Continue ReadingGabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: 10
by Chris M. Slawecki
10 celebrates the ten-year anniversary of the Afro-Peruvian Sextet founded and simultaneously led by horn player Gabriel Alegría from New York City (where Alegría serves as Professor of Jazz Studies at New York University) and Lima, Peru. “It's a concept album," Alegría shares. “For our tenth anniversary, we wanted to give special care to American and Peruvian standards. It all comes together in the arrangements in the Afro-Peruvian style. We've incorporated many guest artists, people who have helped us along ...
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