Personnel:
Carlos Lastra (ss, as), Rodrigo Domínguez (as, cl), Ernesto Jodos (p), Hernán Merlo (b), Sergio Verdinelli (d)
Reference: FSNT-150
Bar code: 8427328421508
Argentinean bassist Hernán Merlo will surprise all Fresh Sound New Talent fans with his twist on the usual. Not only are his own compositions stunningly attractive, but he is a wonderful bass player and a fine bandleader, as this debut on the label will show. He has assembled an interesting cast of younger players from Argentina to show the strength of the cultural and musical scenes there. A real treat.
"Argentinean bassist/composer Hernan Merlo has provided a sparky, responsive quintet with some varied compositions for this intriguing album. Elements of freebop, straightahead and free jazz, plus the occasional taut, dramatic flourish reminiscent of nuevo tango are intelligently mixed in a set solidly grounded in the leader's bass but ornamented by Carlos Lastra's deceptively light-toned tenor. The latter's soprano also blends attractively with Rodrigo Dominguez's pleasingly astringent alto a tantalising glimpse of a scene under-represented in Europe."
- Chris Parker, Jazz Review (UK)
