Albare & Co.: Freedom

"Jazz is the voice of freedom," says Israeli-born guitarist & composer Albare, "and it will never be silenced." To that end, Albare has assembled a world-class sextet to perform seven of his sunny, swing-based compositions, two others co-written with pianist Phil Turcio and Turcio's graceful "Shimmozle."

The session begins, appropriately enough, with Albare's open-hearted "Freedom," which introduces fellow front-liner Randy Brecker on trumpet. Soprano saxophonist Ada Rovatti (who also plays splendid alto and tenor saxophones) makes her first appearance on "La Fiesta," a rhythmic bossa nova not to be confused with Chick Corea's composition of that same name. This one was written by Albare, as were "Freedom" and "Adues" (or "Adeus," as it is spelled both ways), which precede it. The lively "Lost Compass," co-authored by Albare and Turcio, is next, followed by the easygoing "Randy Makes Me Smile" (with Brecker's mellow flugelhorn counterbalancing a robust tenor saxophone solo by Rovatti) and "Shimmozle."

Albare plays guitar in the manner of some of his main influences, Django Reinhardt, Wes Montgomery and Antonio Carlos Jobim, combining old-world swing with more modern phrasings. It works well, especially when complemented by Brecker and Rovatti's expressly contemporary stance. As for the rhythm section (Turcio, bassist Phil Rex, drummer Felix Bloxom), it is diligent and flexible, tending to business while giving the front line ample room to breathe.

"Sketches" is another meditative number, leading to the buoyant "Sunny Samba" and free-wheeling finale, "New Expectations" (sans Brecker and Rovatti). Freedom isn't a classic session but a very good one with no letdown in quality from start to finish.

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