Jonathan Salvi Arugula Sextet: Arugula

Swiss artist Jonathan Salvi's Arugula, released on Challenge Records, offers a blend of rhythmic complexity and thoughtful jazz arrangements. As the 103rd release in the "Jazz Thing Next Generation" series, it presents Salvi's work on the vibraphone in a way that fits well within the contemporary jazz scene.

Salvi's vibraphone technique—using four mallets —is not groundbreaking yet brings a delicate and steady presence to the music. In "Wanderig," the album opens with guitarist Emilio Vidal's understated chord voicings, setting a calm and confident tone. The sextet creates a warm atmosphere with heartfelt melodies and subtle interplay, guided by Salvi's soft touch, as he gracefully follows the piece's gentle arc.

"Multiple Minds" is a testament to Salvi's compositional prowess, featuring layered arrangements that challenge and delight with perky horns, sly tempo changes and bright proclamations from the frontline, along with Vidal's contrasting notes and unison lines with his bandmates. Drummer Josua Beureux intermittently injects a Latin pulse that pumps up the overall dynamic.

"Floating River" features a more restrained approach from Salvi, with his vibraphone floating over light drums and Robinson De Montmollin's fluid piano lines. The band interprets the track's title with a natural, flowing quality, though it stays within safe, familiar territory.

The album closes with "Blues at the Parcs," an upbeat piece that brings some lively energy to the finish. Trumpeter Paul Butscher's strong solo injects a bit of an edge, followed by Salvi's more laid-back, mid-tempo solo, which weaves smoothly into the broader arrangement alongside the horns.

In sum, Salvi delivers a solid, if not particularly daring, addition to the jazz catalog. The album stays comfortably within the genre's traditions, providing a pleasant listening experience. For those seeking something easygoing yet skillfully crafted, Arugula is worth checking out—though it may leave you craving more than just music... perhaps a salad, too.