Personnel:
Gorka Benitez (ts & fl), Moisés Sánchez (p), Michael Formanek (b), Jeff Ballard (d)
Reference: FSRCD 5136
Bar code: 8427328651363
Some time ago, Jordi Pujol suggested that I make a new album—my tenth for Fresh Sound Records—but with musicians different from those I usually work with on my projects. Here you have this recording: Palo Seco, a true gift from a great friend who has always believed in me and trusted me from the very beginning.
Once the musicians were chosen and their availability confirmed, I composed this music with a clear vision of how we were going to approach it: a brief yet intense encounter. All it took was a good dinner the night before the recording to bring us together, playing this music as one. No hesitation…
Meeting for a day and, within just a few hours, recording in the most authentic way possible—giving meaning to that “this is what we have.” That by talking too much, those beautiful things don't slip through our fingers without us realizing it… No second takes allowed. Just letting go and sharing that fleeting, unforgettable moment. That’s exactly how I felt… “Palo Seco” is the title of one of the tracks on the album, and it represents this project as much as any other. But it sounds… It sounds clear, it sounds brief, and it sounds dry.
A thousand thanks, Jeff, Michael, and Moisés, for your overwhelming artistry and dedication.
—Gorka Benítez
