I have been fortunate enough to have reviewed a few of the Melbourne-based jazz guitarist’s albums over the years, and one knows it is going to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and here again is another fine example. I don’t get to Melbourne as often as I used to, but I have promised myself that the next time I am there I will visit Bird’s Basement, his jazz club which puts on great shows. Over the years Albare has been nominated for both an ARIA and a Latin Grammy, and yet again this release finds him working alongside pianist Phil Turcio, and the way they blend together shows just how well they know each other.
But one of the things I have always liked about Albare is that one can listen to sections of his songs where his contribution is not playing at all, for him it is all about the music and not ego, something which is refreshing, especially given it is his name on the cover. The rest of the band includes trumpet player Mat Jodrell, who has collaborated with the great Herbie Hancock, sax player Phil and a rhythm section of Felix Bloxom and Phil Rex. There is also South American percussionist Salva Persico who definitely moves the jazz in a Latin direction. As one can see, there are plenty of ways in which the music can move with four melodic leads, a bass which rarely stays still, plus drusm and percussion, but we also have guests on two tracks, tenor saxophonist Paul Williamson and Hammond organist Jake Mason, which allows for even more layers.
It is an album of multiple threads, weaving together in a manner which is always pleasant, bringing the listener along on the voyage of discovery. What makes this such a delight is not just the playing from all, which is exemplary, but the arrangements which allows everyone to shine and the feeling throughout that everyone is playing with a smile and having a good time. I certainly was.
Rating: 8/10