Errol Rackipov plays vibes and marimbas as he leads a sextet through a collection of his compositions and arrangements. The team of himself with Lubomir Gospodinov/ts-ss, David Leon/as, Martin Bejerano/p, Peter Slavov/b and Ludwig Afonso/dr is highly rhythmic, and Rackpov emphasizes the woody marimba for a loose and earthy feel. The team is assertive on the modal “Odd Times” with the wooden blocks chiming in with Bejerano’s Tyner-inspired piano musicings, while a 5/4 dance “Bosphorus” includes a sizzling soprano that conjures up the village sheep on “Bosphorus.” A tricky line by Slavov delves int a tensile and snappy “The Dream of the Little Gypsy” with Gospodinov’s tenor thick and rich, while Leon’s alto sax is angular on “The Old Waterfall.” Latin vibes wit Bejerano are festive on “Todora” while reflective echoes by the leader make up the lovely and nimble “Miami.” A mix of Eastern Europe and Latin America make this a rich buffet of sounds and rhythms.
OA2 Records