With his debut recording composer/guitarist Dave Juarez turned left from center to record “ROUND RED LIGHT” and join the promising and compelling new voice in jazz Posi-Tone Records. The LA based label has caught the eyes, ears and attention of young, creative and innovative musicians globally by the dozens and Dave Juarez is positively one artist I’m sure jazz enthusiasts on the modern jazz tip will absolutely love!
“MONTPELLIER VIEW” opens this exciting yet playfully invigorating romp of this nine song collective features Seamus Blake – tenor sax, John Escreet – piano,Lauren Falls – bass and Bastian Weinhold on drums breathe life into this mesmerizing journey.
The title “ROUND RED LIGHT” is a ballad showcases the Barcelona native’s sensitive, tonality and ability to chronicle the attributes of players like Benson or Montgomery with grace and symmetry.
At the third position, there’s “LONELY BROOKLYN.” It burns with rapid speed and dexterity, the infallible interplay by the ensemble employs Juarez’s poetic, generous and unsurpassed chops effortlessly.
Juarez switches directions sonically with another tasteful ballad appropriately titled “The Echo of Your Smile.” I love it when music draws my attention away from the typical canvas and distinctly swirls attuned ideas among the corresponding voices and affectively engage in unblemished interplay as soloist.
Lauren Hall on acoustic bass along with Juarez and Blake speak effortlessly as one voice, they are unhurriedly aroused by their lush, sobering and flexible tones which are heighten from within the center of “BELLEZA ANONIMA” is breathtaking. The group turns up the heat with the uplifting and hard hitting straight ahead gem called “SEROTONINA.” Although gifted, Juarez’s soulful, inventive and balanced approach is a springboard to his ability to score attractive, compelling and listenable compositions.
“LUNA NOCHE OSCURA DEL ALMA” fits the description of being poise, intense and listener friendly. Pianist John Escreet as a soloist accents the progressive undertones on this impressive piece composed by Juarez.
Juarez’s love and compassion for Spain is thoroughly expressed on “LUNA DE BARCELONA.” In essence, he experiments with a variety of shapes, textures and rhythms are the conduit to the edger side of his compositional voice makes this gem one of my favorites thus far.
“RNP” is somewhat of a departure of what’s already deemed as an excellent adventure thus far. This eleven plus minute gem closes out this extensive session of highly energetic songs to unwavering lush arrangements attached to intractable fusion tendencies showcases the impressive interplay by this powerfully engaging ensemble is what modernist, jazz connoisseurs and fusionist live for musically.
His peers view Dave Juarez as “a jazz guitarist with something to say.” Yes, he’s done a brilliant job compositionally and artistically to express his ideas through the body of these nine originals. When I hear jazz shaped with such a prevailing and insightful blueprint … I’m simply thankful. It’s not often you hear recordings balanced with virtuous ideas in a variety of shapes, colors, tempos and tonality as expressed on “ROUND RED LIGHT.” –Rob Young | Reviewer
Track Listing:
1. MONTPELLIER VIEW
2. ROUND RED LIGHT
3. LONELY BROOKLYN
4. THE ECHO OF YOUR SMILE
5. BELLEZA ANONIMA
6. SERTONINA
7. LA NOCHE OSCURA DEL ALMA
8. LUNA DE BARCELONA
9. RNP
Musicians:
Dave Juarez – guitar
Seamus Blake – tenor sax
John Escreet – piano
Lauren Falls – bass
Bastian Weinhold – drums
Produced by Marc Free
