Chano Domínguez, Ethan Margolis: The Blues Around Us

The outstanding Spanish pianist Chano Dominguez is renowned for his interpretive style and his ability to navigate the complexities of both flamenco and jazz, weaving both together to form a unique soundscape. Guitarist Ethan Margolis, from Cleveland, Ohio, is steeped in similar traditions, having a strong flamenco and Romany influence on his playing from spending 11 years in Spain. The pair met initially in 2016, with their album, The Blues Around Us, enjoying an eight-year gestation.

On many levels, fusing flamenco with jazz is a natural fit; both have strong improvisational modal elements and fast displaced beats, with a flamenco 12-pulse rhythmic cycle sitting well with the blues. Domínguez and Margolis, together with stellar support from bassist Carlos Henriquez and drummer Obed Calvaire (both members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis), bring us a thoughtfully crafted quartet album of jazz-blues with rhythmic underpinnings from Spain.

Recorded live in the studio with no post-production embellishments, the album is framed by two elegant solo improvisations by Domínguez. While these bookends offer a reflective contrast, the core of the album features pieces that have multiple passages and traverse a wide musical terrain that calls on different influences.

In the lively "Rumbop Swing," listeners are taken on a journey involving a repeating piano motif, fast-paced guitar lines and swinging bebop energy. Merging fast flamenco rhythms, "68 Sentiments" is a tribute to Wes Montgomery, who passed away in 1968. Margolis plays with his thumb and fingers throughout the album, channeling recognisable Montgomery influences.

"Sweet Street Blues," is one of the tracks marked by contrasting sections and shifting moods. It is opened by Domínguez with a solo in 12/8 rhythm; Henríquez follows with a tasteful solo before Margolis changes time signature and spirit with excellent, soulful guitar work. "Caribbean Blues" follows a more familiar route, showcasing the quartet on top form. Meanwhile, "The Turnaround" begins with a Delta blues-style guitar intro and evolves into expansive solos and dynamic quartet interplay.

Among the album's many highlights, it is perhaps the expressive edge of "March Of The Siguiriyas" that shines brightest. Margolis' understanding of Romany musical traditions is key in marrying the nuances of this tragic lament with the jazz and blues foundations of a New Orleans funeral march. "Down And Out Tangos" draws inspiration from the vaudeville standard "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" and has great contributions from Henriquez and Calvaire. This same rhythm section excels on the title track, providing sensitive accompaniment for Domínguez's gentle explorations.

2025 is the year that Domínguez celebrates 50 years as a professional pianist and he is in flamboyant form throughout. As he puts it, "When I play this music, I feel free, I feel connected." Alongside Margolis, he explores a wide spectrum of flamenco forms and integrates them into a jazz and blues framework. Margolis, who composed the majority of the compositions specifically for Domínguez's style, is soulful and expressive throughout, bringing a strong emotional impact to his guitar work. This is the first release on the Unifying Sounds label and in terms of inspired performances and classic-sounding recording quality, they have set the bar very high.