LAZO/ PINO/PINEDA/MASSO - Cuban Jazz Report
STUNT CD 19072
Javier Gutierrez Masso (p); Yasser Pino (b); Raul Pineda (d, pc); Eliel Lazo (pc)
Recorded Madrid 2019
A programme of Latin jazz here performed by four musicians who double up as vocalist or choir members to augment their instrumental solos. They begin with Havana Chants which is mainly chanting along with a barrage of percussion and piano from Masso. The pianist shines again on Cromason which shows him to be a lyrical pianist who makes the most of an attractive melody, stating it and then embellishing with improvised lines. Much, the same applies to the third selection La Caminadora which also offers a sturdy bass solo from Pino.
One Night One Song is a full -blown percussion track which starts off with a long conga solo before the rest of the quartet join in. The sound on this, as on many other pieces is of a large ensemble, an effect achieved by the instrumental parts receiving overdubbed choir from the four musicians. They play various percussion instruments and sing or chant in the background. There is a track which is just piano, bass, drums, background percussion and a vocal but individual names are not given for vocals or solos generally. The music is bright, hard swinging throughout but due to the excess of percussion instruments does prove to be somewhat heavy going at times. Masso is the most interesting musician here and an exceptionally fine piano soloist with ability to perform in a variety of different styles.
Reviewed by Derek Ansell
STUNT CD 19072
Javier Gutierrez Masso (p); Yasser Pino (b); Raul Pineda (d, pc); Eliel Lazo (pc)
Recorded Madrid 2019
A programme of Latin jazz here performed by four musicians who double up as vocalist or choir members to augment their instrumental solos. They begin with Havana Chants which is mainly chanting along with a barrage of percussion and piano from Masso. The pianist shines again on Cromason which shows him to be a lyrical pianist who makes the most of an attractive melody, stating it and then embellishing with improvised lines. Much, the same applies to the third selection La Caminadora which also offers a sturdy bass solo from Pino.
One Night One Song is a full -blown percussion track which starts off with a long conga solo before the rest of the quartet join in. The sound on this, as on many other pieces is of a large ensemble, an effect achieved by the instrumental parts receiving overdubbed choir from the four musicians. They play various percussion instruments and sing or chant in the background. There is a track which is just piano, bass, drums, background percussion and a vocal but individual names are not given for vocals or solos generally. The music is bright, hard swinging throughout but due to the excess of percussion instruments does prove to be somewhat heavy going at times. Masso is the most interesting musician here and an exceptionally fine piano soloist with ability to perform in a variety of different styles.
Reviewed by Derek Ansell
