Alberto Vilas Quartet: Ubuntu

Jazz musicians have always been in tune to external influences and open to worldly perspectives. Spanish pianist Alberto Vilas titled his release Ubuntu, based on the South African philosophy dealing with human kindness and how we become better through interaction with others. In a modern world gone mad, this is certainly a welcome idea, and the music of Alberto Vilas Quartet, is a step in the right direction.

Vilas formed his quintet in 2011, releasing "Experianza," followed by "Crónica Cromática," in 2014. On Ubuntu, sans the guitar, he restructured into a quartet format, all original members of previous recordings. As leader and composer, he is taking this music into a seasoned and expanded awakening. Drawing from his profound classical training, the pieces are cerebral, yet they have that essential sense of swing. On "Tandem," saxophonist Rosolino Marinello duplicates the piano lines to form an imaginative melodic duo, the midsection is propelled by the ferocious drumming of Javier Barral, then it's back to tranquility. The title track is a relaxed motif where Marinello weaves the soprano sax with a light touch, as if to represent the kindness we are all capable of.

"Etérea," which translates into ethereal, is just as the name implies, a pianistic journey into a fluctuating spirit world. The graduated tempo on "Vórtice," rises into a maelstrom, eases into a leisurely bass passage by Juansy Santomé, crests, then swirls into a subdued finale. Santomé is featured again on "Equilibristas," a syncopated staggered arrangement performed with a trio setting. The trio returns on "Leatherhead," allowing Vilas to stretch out on the keys. They experiment with a sax and piano duet on "Ocre," the spaces within the outline lending opportunity for extemporizing.

The special guest artist is vocalist Diana Tarín, who is highlighted on "Espuma De Mar," a song she also wrote the lyrics for. Tarín hails from Cuba, and relocated to Galicia, Spain, where she has been gigging with Vilas and his quartet, contributing a feminine approach to the ensemble. This is an earthy yet melodic piece, and she shows she can sing in the jazz idiom with affirmative expression.

"A Arte De Seguir En Pé," is a signature Vilas composition for solo piano, where his romanticism is coupled with impressionistic passages, exhibiting sparkles of his virtuosity. Though he is comfortable as a soloist, and can improvise with conviction, he chooses the ensemble setting to get his music across. The fact that these musicians have remained together is essential to their sound, which as a vintage wine, keeps getting better with time.