Aldo Salvent: Da Capo

Cuban-born saxophonist Aldo Salvent makes an impressive entrance into the world of recorded jazz with his debut as leader on the stunning Da Capo, a disc of mainstream modern jazz featuring ten originals performed by a superb quintet. Currently seeking his Master's Degree in Jazz Saxophone Performance at Florida International University in Miami, FL, Salvent's musical background traces from Cuba and Costa Rica to the fertile talent-rich south Florida community where he performs regularly in Miami's bourgeoning jazz scene. This first effort was recorded in Denver, Colorado in August of 2014, featuring a cast of musicians and educators from the major universities in Colorado.

Salvent draws on his heritage and incorporates elements of the Latin sound in certain selections though by no means, is this a Latin jazz album as the opening "El Reto" demonstrates quite vigorously. With Salvent on the tenor and Dr. Josh Quinlan on the alto, the two reed man lead an aggressive burner of a piece that also captures solo moments from pianist Ben Markley and drummer Ed Breazeale in a decidedly non-Latin tune. The following "El Chismoso" at nine and a half minutes in duration, is perhaps the most ambitious chart weaving in and out with improvisational bits making for another modern evolution of jazz.

Bassist Matt Smiley is pronounced on the balladic "Benito," as he introduces the piece and delivers several solo moments with pianist Markley following his lead as the drummer showcases some cymbal accents making this one a rhythm section feature although the leader does indeed comes to the fore with more splendid tenor magic. The sax man and his crew display a little of the funk-side of jazz on the swinging "Santa Amalia" teeing off on the tenor and making sure this upbeat sizzler is a highlight of the disc.

It's obvious the leader can play a torrid sax solo when the piece calls for it but, musicians must show their lighter side and Salvent does exactly that on the humbling "Cachete," where he wields the soprano on the album's soft spot for a brief but absolutely gorgeous piece of music. In stark contrast to the tender "Cachete," "Gary's Picks" takes off on a furious pace featuring hot burning solos from Salvent and then Quinlan followed by a speed dance on the keys from Markley and rumbling stick work from the drummer for five minutes of delicious hard-bop.

The music winds down with other notable originals namely, "Wake Up Call,' "Norma," and the burning finale "Shuffle" featuring the dueling saxophonists lobbying one salvo after another at each other ending the album in a stylish hard-bop fashion. Saxophonist Aldo Salvent's debut recording Da Capo, documents a solid performance on an engaging selection of originals that makes this exciting first effort, a gem of a recording that sparkles all over.