Vitor Pereira Quintet: Jung

Vitor Pereira is a guitarist from Portugal who is currently part of the London jazz scene. He has released four albums with his quintet, the latest inspired by the teachings of psychiatrist Carl Jung. The track titles on the album all come from Jung's terminology but no knowledge of his theories is required to enjoy the subtle energy of this rock- flavored jazz set.

In this group, Pereira's guitar often acts as a nimble middle layer between the blowing of tenor saxophonist Alam Nathoo and alto saxophonist Chris Williams. His chiming and swooping lines make a nice contrast to the saxophones whether they play in unison as on "The Hero" or have a wild, free-wheeling duel as on "The Collective Unconscious." Bassist Mick Coady and drummer Adam Teixeira provide the group with a supporting base which has both jazz elasticity and rock firmness.

The bass and drums slip into a mischievously swinging groove on "The Hero" as the saxophones bounce together and the guitar slips both between and through them. Pereira's playing has a more pointed edge on "The Shadow" and the saxophones strike with added urgency and drive. "Dreams, Myths and Fairytales" lives up to its title by being more nebulous. Williams and Nathoo play long, meandering lines which become swirled in with Pereira's curling notes. "Mandala" starts even more abstractly with random sax lines until the rhythm section comes in and the piece gradually compresses into a quietly meditative whole. Coady takes a subdued solo here, and Pereira's gentle chording gives way to an up-tempo burst of whirling jazz-rock at the end.

Vitor Pereira's quintet moves with a light, flowing touch which can be infectious. They expertly mix tight rhythmic control with acrobatic sax and guitar lines which are woven into fun shapes. They are a very worthy element of the London jazz scene.

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