On this fourth outing as a leader, the outstanding pianist-composer Silvano Monasterios blends elements of his American jazz heroes (Chick Corea, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock) with the South American rhythms of his native Venezuela. Most affecting are pieces like “Farmacia del Angel,” underscored by the huge, woody tones of bassist Jon Dadurka’s undulating tumbao rhythms, and the intricate, polyrhythmic “Monsieur Petit Noir,” which highlights the potent tenor sax work of Troy Roberts. The two-part suite “A Song for Jacques” is a moving tribute to a fallen friend, and “Forgotten Gods” is a burner showcasing both Monasterios and Roberts soloing in uptempo swing mode. The pianist also turns in a personalized Venezuelan version of Phil Markowitz’s “Sno’ Peas” (a tune famously recorded by Bill Evans and Toots Thielemans on Affinity), and he courts a darker muse via electric keyboard on “Black Saint.”
Originally PublishedSilvano Monasterios : Unconditional
JazzTimes may earn a small commission if you buy something using one of the retail links in our articles. JazzTimes does not accept money for any editorial recommendations. Read more about our policy here. Thanks for supporting JazzTimes.
