Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: El Muki

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 is represented here by the first of Alegria's charming original compositions, a metric juggernaut dominated by the sextet's heavy-duty rhythm section. Saxophonist Laura Andrea Leguia, the group's second in command, wrote four others, and the ensemble ends the session with a powerful salute to Sting's gravity-defiant "Walking on the Moon."

An uncommon groove called lando is used to depict the enigmatic communication among fireflies on Alegria's "Luciernagas," while Leguia's "Mala Senal" (Bad Sign) sets the temperature on high and Alegria's unhurried "Panabe" paints a colorful portrait of the Amazon river's rare pink dolphin. Leguia's galloping "Vista Panoramica" (Bird's Eye View) and pensive "Ausencia" (Absence) are next, and she co-wrote the upbeat "La Zafra" (The Harvest) with Thomas Marsch. Alegria's graceful "Despertar" (Awakening) leads to "Walking on the Moon."

As one would expect from a group with such wide experience, the sextet is letter-perfect, and there are a number of sharp and productive solos by Leguia (on tenor, alto and soprano sax), Alegria and guitarist Jocho Velasquez. The Shades of Yale Choir is listed on the album's jacket as a participant, but is nowhere to be heard. As to the music, there is no doubting its wellspring. Afro-Peruvian is what it says, and Afro-Peruvian is what you get. As a bonus, it is music that is well-performed by a skillful ensemble that discerns and appreciates its diversity and never once misreads its target.