Veteran jazz label Enja can still deliver impressive music, and even better, they haven’t succumbed to the temptation of some OTHER labels (not to mention any names like Blue Note or anything) of releasing things like country and pop to help pay the bills. Here are two impressive recent issues that will please our fret loving friends…
Guitarist Albare fronts an impressive team consisting of Antonio Sanchez/b, Euripidis Euripidou/b-g, George Garzone/ts, Hendrik Meurkens/harm and Leo Genovese/p through music that mixes energy with lyricism. “Material like the cascading “Cut to the Chase” and the sly “Funky Girl” have some protein rich drumming by Sanchez frolics under Alabare’s lines, while Euripidous’ bass lick on “You Make Me Smile” delivers a clever foundation for Albare’s acoustic work. Some lovely balladry is exposed on “Love Again,” making this a strong statement for the value of modern contemporary jazz.
On the other hand, if you want romance, and in spades, Waldemar Bastos release is going to make your evening dreams come true. His voice has a perfect amalgamation of manliness and vulnerability, and he uses it like a street minstrel on material with the London Symphony Orchestra on praising “M’biri! M’biri!” and “Aurora.” Supported by Mitchell Long/g, Derek Nakamoto/key/g and various guest percussionists, horns and bassists, he mourns over “Tata Ku Matadi” like a dejected philosopher, while gently caressing the strings and words on “Teresa Ana.” Enchanting sounds from a guy who sounds like he’s got the heart of a lion
Enja Records
www.enjarecords.com