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Tom Kessler: Nuevo Valso
ByMuch on Nuevo Valso presents itself in similarly subtle fashion. Kessler's guitar radiates an earthy vibrancy, giving the entire session an acoustic feel. At no point does the guitar's sound deny its wooden origin and instead embraces it.
In a diverse pool of traditional blues structures, ballads and post-bop numbers, Kessler exhibits his dexterous and versatile skillset as a composer as well as a guitarist. At the same time he is a full-on team player, giving his colleagues ample space. While the slow-paced tango "Swanzira" sees Opsvik making use of the bow, the South American rhythm exercise on "Chasquinho" gives him the opportunity for another short but expressive solo.
On one level, Nuevo Valso brings a traditional approach to jazz heritage. On another, it leans towards the unexpectedbe it because of unorthodox drum shapes, exciting guitar effects or an unusually melodic and prominent bass. It's nice to see that the traditional guitar trio format is far from done being explored and still has plenty to offer, without necessarily undergoing a radically modern-electronic approach.
Track Listing
Ascilina; Blues Me; Swanzira; Chasquinho; Serpentina; Nuevo Valso; Labrador; Tres Acordes; Lidinum.
Personnel
Tom Kessler
guitarTom Kessler: guitar; Eivind Opsvik: bass; Jochen Rueckert: drums.
Album information
Title: Nuevo Valso | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Unit Records
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