JULIAN ARGÜELLES
Photograph by Monika S. Jakubowska
Since coming to prominence with the
iconic big band Loose Tubes, saxophonist/composer & educator, Julian
Argüelles has performed in a wide variety of contexts on the international
stage, and has worked with such luminaries as Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Dave
Holland, Django Bates and Hermeto Pascoal.
He was also a member of the last incarnation of Chris McGregor’s Bortherhood of Breath, and his latest album on Basho Records, Let It Be Told, recorded with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band presents some superb arrangements by Argüelles of music composed by the The Blue Notes and Chris McGregor in an invigorating set.
Of his favourite albums, Julian says:
I have decided to concentrate on the CDs that had a profound effect on me during my formative years. Because of this there are huge and obvious omissions especially in the classical and pop music genres. But also the music of the great South Africans, big bands, Jarrett's European quartet and music associated with the ECM label generally, later Miles, Bill Frisell and John Taylor are all missing, these all came to me (or at least affected me) later in my musical life.
I've listed these in a vague order of when I came in to contact with them.
He was also a member of the last incarnation of Chris McGregor’s Bortherhood of Breath, and his latest album on Basho Records, Let It Be Told, recorded with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band presents some superb arrangements by Argüelles of music composed by the The Blue Notes and Chris McGregor in an invigorating set.
Of his favourite albums, Julian says:
I have decided to concentrate on the CDs that had a profound effect on me during my formative years. Because of this there are huge and obvious omissions especially in the classical and pop music genres. But also the music of the great South Africans, big bands, Jarrett's European quartet and music associated with the ECM label generally, later Miles, Bill Frisell and John Taylor are all missing, these all came to me (or at least affected me) later in my musical life.
I've listed these in a vague order of when I came in to contact with them.
CHARLIE
PARKER - Savoy Sessions
This was a box set I had for Christmas when I was about 11 years old and just starting out. I love these recordings and I spent lots of time trying to play along with the easy bits and trying to imitate Bird. Much later on, I heard his live recordings which became even more influential as these Savoy sessions were limited to the old 78 record length of about 3 ½ minutes. I was completely obsessed with Charlie Parker up until the point when John Coltrane's influence took over.
MILES DAVIS QUINTET - Live in Netherlands
This was actually a cassette tape I got from a Dutch musician when we were both playing in the European Youth Jazz Orchestra in about 1980. I first came across this as a 'bootleg' recording and it has since been released on CD. This is from about 1960 and it features Coltrane, who has always had a profound effect on me, straining to break free from the structures of the day.
This was a box set I had for Christmas when I was about 11 years old and just starting out. I love these recordings and I spent lots of time trying to play along with the easy bits and trying to imitate Bird. Much later on, I heard his live recordings which became even more influential as these Savoy sessions were limited to the old 78 record length of about 3 ½ minutes. I was completely obsessed with Charlie Parker up until the point when John Coltrane's influence took over.
MILES DAVIS QUINTET - Live in Netherlands
This was actually a cassette tape I got from a Dutch musician when we were both playing in the European Youth Jazz Orchestra in about 1980. I first came across this as a 'bootleg' recording and it has since been released on CD. This is from about 1960 and it features Coltrane, who has always had a profound effect on me, straining to break free from the structures of the day.
SONNY
ROLLINS - A Night at the Village Vanguard
The inventiveness of Rollins' improvising is incredible.
CAMERSON WITH PACO DE LUCIA - Arte y Majestad
I am a fan of all things Spanish including of course flamenco music. The very first record I bought was a Manitas De Plata record (although he was a French flamenco musician) and the first instrument I tried to play was guitar. Flamenco music has had a lasting influence on me, and perhaps my favourite was the recording of Cameron especially with the great Paco De Lucia on Guitar. Again, it is virtuosic music with an emotional depth as the main focal point.
JOHN COLTRANE - Chim Chim Cheree
This opened doors for me, after this I became to understand and enjoy free music and jazz that wasn't primarily based on traditional jazz language. Coltrane's playing is virtuosic. Harmonically, melodically and rhythmically it is very sophisticated, but it’s clear that the goal is to produce music with a deep emotional and spiritual content, which is something I am still trying to follow. Coltrane's entrance after McCoy’s solo on the title track is one of my favourite moments in recorded music.
The inventiveness of Rollins' improvising is incredible.
CAMERSON WITH PACO DE LUCIA - Arte y Majestad
I am a fan of all things Spanish including of course flamenco music. The very first record I bought was a Manitas De Plata record (although he was a French flamenco musician) and the first instrument I tried to play was guitar. Flamenco music has had a lasting influence on me, and perhaps my favourite was the recording of Cameron especially with the great Paco De Lucia on Guitar. Again, it is virtuosic music with an emotional depth as the main focal point.
JOHN COLTRANE - Chim Chim Cheree
This opened doors for me, after this I became to understand and enjoy free music and jazz that wasn't primarily based on traditional jazz language. Coltrane's playing is virtuosic. Harmonically, melodically and rhythmically it is very sophisticated, but it’s clear that the goal is to produce music with a deep emotional and spiritual content, which is something I am still trying to follow. Coltrane's entrance after McCoy’s solo on the title track is one of my favourite moments in recorded music.
KEITH
JARRETT - Survivor's Suite
This is perhaps my all-time favourite band. I could have chosen any of the many albums they recorded, but I really like the slow unfolding contained in this recording. The four musicians are supremely strong musical characters playing, in my opinion, at the height of their powers. Jarrett's compositions and the way the improvising is organised and allowed to develop organically makes this a favourite. There are so many elements that I enjoy in this band's work.
ORNETTE COLEMAN- Ornette On tenor
I love Ornette's music. I would say it took me a while to get there – I remember hearing records as a kid and not getting it – then somehow I heard what was going on.
This is perhaps my all-time favourite band. I could have chosen any of the many albums they recorded, but I really like the slow unfolding contained in this recording. The four musicians are supremely strong musical characters playing, in my opinion, at the height of their powers. Jarrett's compositions and the way the improvising is organised and allowed to develop organically makes this a favourite. There are so many elements that I enjoy in this band's work.
ORNETTE COLEMAN- Ornette On tenor
I love Ornette's music. I would say it took me a while to get there – I remember hearing records as a kid and not getting it – then somehow I heard what was going on.
JOHN
SURMAN - Upon Reflection
John's music also had a powerful effect on me. I particularly love his playing on Miroslav Vitous' Journey's End and John Taylor's Ambleside Days but I think his solo recordings are uniquely special.
KENNY WHEELER - Gnu High
Great compositions, great musicians, great improvising, great sound – Gnu High is perfect.
JAN GARBAREK - Esoteric Circle
Esoteric Circle was recorded in 1969, when Garbarek was about 22 years old. His playing was a lot rougher and edgier than what he has become known for in his later work after the Keith Jarrett years. I can still just about hear his influences including, perhaps surprisingly, Gato Barbieri and Dexter Gordon. The music Garbarek recorded around this time also had a huge effect on me.
John's music also had a powerful effect on me. I particularly love his playing on Miroslav Vitous' Journey's End and John Taylor's Ambleside Days but I think his solo recordings are uniquely special.
KENNY WHEELER - Gnu High
Great compositions, great musicians, great improvising, great sound – Gnu High is perfect.
JAN GARBAREK - Esoteric Circle
Esoteric Circle was recorded in 1969, when Garbarek was about 22 years old. His playing was a lot rougher and edgier than what he has become known for in his later work after the Keith Jarrett years. I can still just about hear his influences including, perhaps surprisingly, Gato Barbieri and Dexter Gordon. The music Garbarek recorded around this time also had a huge effect on me.
For more information visit Julian's Website and Basho Records.
Click on the album cover to read our review.
