Pablo Ablanedo Octet - Alegria (2002)

This is Pablo Ablanedo's second leader recording for Fresh Sound New Talent. The critically-acclaimed "From Down Here" has earned him a place alongside the great young jazz composers of his generation. Originally from Argentina, Pablo recorded this album in New York along with a host of other excellent young jazz players, who some will recognise form their recordings on the FSNT label: Chris Cheek on saxophones, Taylor Haskins on trumpet, Ben Monder on guitar and Fernando Huergo on bass.

"Today it may seem odd to name an album "Alegria". I would just like to mention that the name of my work, "Alegria" (Joy), alludes to the happiness of creation. It refers to an intimate and jubilant space in my soul that I try to cultivate and care for each day. It is also a place where I find shelter, and that protection leads me to action. When I finally finished this work, the idea of resistance by using joy as a shield lingered, so I decided to keep the name for this CD. Here is this music, like a barricade of hope for these times in which we all live."

Pablo Ablanedo Octet Pablo Ablanedo (p, vcl) with Jenny Scheinman (violin), Taylor Haskins (tp, Flgh), Anat Cohen (cl), Chris Cheek (ts, ss), Jerome Sabbagh (ts, ss), Ben Monder (g), Fernando Huergo (b), Franco Pinna (d, bombo), Julio Santillan (g), Erne