Nasser

Tranquility (1968). This hard-to-find recording is of value if only to hear Jamal's interpretation of two Burt Bacharach-Hal David gems from the '60s, "I Say a Little Prayer" and "The Look of Love." Since the early '50s, Jamal has managed to generate commercial appeal within the piano trio format by crafting memorable arrangements without resorting to clichés. (Jamal's trio concept paved the way for the success of Ramsey Lewis, the Three Sounds, and others.) He treats the entire trio - not just the piano - as his instrument and has mastered the use of space and dynamic variation in shaping his distinctive group sound. Jamal has a keen sense of formal structure; his concise renderings of standards and pop tunes always offer a fresh take on the familiar by deconstructing and reconstructing melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic themes…

After a hiatus since their last studio album in 2016, Luz de Riada is back with an exciting lineup and an upcoming album, ‘Rizoma’. The album title carries a dual meaning: in biology, it refers to “a form of root that can generate wholly, even from a small piece,” as explained by bass guitarist Luis Nasser. In the realms of psychology and philosophy, ‘Rizoma’ refers to “the structure of ideas in the form of a network (neural or the internet) that can reconnect in multiple ways rather than a top to bottom hierarchy,” Nasser adds. Mexican band formed by four experienced and talented musicians who have been members of successful bands such as Cabezas De Cera or Saena. Their music can be heard as a wonderful mixture of jazz elements, experimental music, avant-garde and progressive rock (among others) that create an eclectic and very original sound, with a clear cinematographic, visual impact, supported by a sonic palette rich in textures and emotions.