Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Jorge Fernandez: J.I.G.E.N

11

Jorge Fernandez: J.I.G.E.N

By

Sign in to view read count
Jorge Fernandez: J.I.G.E.N
Mexican drummer/composer Jorge Fernandez leads his quintet through an eclectic collection of modern jazz (the name J.I.G.E.N. means "Jazz, Impro, Groove, Electric, Noise"). "Hacia Las Barrancas II" opens the set with some of the promised instrument noises before going into a long line over a pulse: then a gentle swing section. That's a lot of variety in the first three minutes! The tune also features fine solos from tenor saxophonist Diego Franco, guitarist Juan Jose Lopez and baritone saxophonist Remi Alvarez.

"A través De La Niebla" again takes an adventurous turn with a guitar solo processed by what sounds like a ring modulator: quite a contrast to the acoustic sounds surrounding it. Despite its title "Fragmento II" does not sound especially fragmentary, although it does grow out of a short melodic idea. It includes an overdriven guitar solo (a bit reminiscent of John Scofield) and gives double bassist Arturo Báez Velázquez a chance to shine.

Fernández is a member of the fraternity of drumming bandleaders who make their mark by composing and arranging. He can be heard pushing things along from the drum throne, but he takes no solos. He gives his bandmates plenty of space, and the combination of baritone and tenor saxophones with guitar gives the group a distinctive sound. Fernández's drumming also features prominently as one half of The Piano & Drums Project on Motion (Self Produced, 2016).

Track Listing

1.- Hacia Las Barrancas II 9:55 2.- A través De La Niebla 9:47 3.- Fragmento II 9:32 4.- Cuando El Tiempo Nos Alcance 10:43 5.- Retrato de Un Instante 10:44

Personnel

Remi Álvarez - Baritone Sax Diego Franco - Tenor Sax Juan José López - Guitar Arturo Báez Velázquez - Double Bass Jorge Fernández - Drums/Compositions

Album information

Title: J.I.G.E.N. | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Intolerancia

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.