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Roberto Magris Sextet: Live in Miami @ the WDNA Jazz Gallery
ByWith alacrity in mind, Magris enlisted the services of a number of the area's foremost musicians led by trumpeter Brian Lynch and bassist Chuck Bergeron and including tenor saxophonist Jonathan Gomez, drummer John Yarling and conguero Murph Aucamp to charm an enthusiastic audience at the WDNA Gallery (WDNA is the Public Radio station in Miami). The best moments of that concert are preserved here, embracing seven of Magris' original compositions, Rahsaan Roland Kirk's lyrical "April Morning" and Billy Strayhorn's amatory anthem, "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing."
As Magris is steeped in hard bop and blues, those themes recur often, with smoke and fire abounding on "Song for an African Child," "Il Bello Del Jazz," "Standard Life" and "What Blues?" The ensemble remains in overdrive on the Latin-oriented "Chachanada," pausing to breathe deeply only on "April Morning," the brief, laid-back "Sleeping Baby" and "Lovesome Thing," the last of which Magris performs by himself. "Baby" fades into the sunset after only two minutes, as there is scarcely room on the CD to accommodate what ensues.
Lynch's solos, as one would surmise, are keen and resourceful, while Gomez' equanimity on the front line is a pleasant surprise. He complements Lynch well and frames inventive solos whenever his name is called. Magris, meanwhile, is at home in any context, summoning his years of experience to comp or solo according to what is the most suitable avenue to pursue at that particular moment. The rhythm section is strong, with Bergeron and Yarling keeping impeccable time and Aucamp adding spice to the recipe. Aucamp solos persuasively on "Chachanada," Bergeron on "Il Bello Del Jazz." An exemplary concert, admirably performed by Magris and his companions.
Track Listing
African Mood; What Blues?; Song for an African Child; April Morning; Chachanada; Il Bello Del Jazz;; A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing; Standard Life; Blues for My Sleeping Baby.
Personnel
Roberto Magris
pianoBrian Lynch
trumpetJonathan Gomez
percussionChuck Bergeron
bassJohn Yarling
drumsMurph Aucamp
drumsRoberto Magris, acoustic piano, Brian Lynch, trumpet, Chuck Bergeron, acoustic bass, John Yarling, drums, Jonathan Gomez, tenor sax, Murph Aucamp, percussion
Album information
Title: Live in Miami @ the WDNA Jazz Gallery | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: JMOOD* RECORDS