Miguel Fernández-Vallejo - El Perro (2005)

This band boasts an uncommon but amazing orchestration for a small jazz group: two tenor saxes (Miguel Fernández-Vallejo & Miguel 'Pintxo' Villar), bass (Juan Pablo Balcázar) and drums (Gonzalo Del Val). As special guests, it has Marc Miralta on vibes and Gorka Benítez on flute.

Interestingly, both tenor players have been good friends since their teenage years. They went on to study classical music together, and after obtaining their degrees moved on into other atmospheres to improve their jazz experiences. Thus, Miguel Fernández-Vallejo attended the Berklee College of Music and Miguel Pintxo Villar moved to Barcelona to study.

And behold! they have met again in Barcelona with this interesting group full of energy and good taste. The music, which is the band members own and original, is remarkable for its counterpoint melodies and varied dynamic textures under influences like swing, contemporary, free, bop, Bach or Schoenberg. At first glance it might sound like a classical tenor battle such as Sonny Stitt was fond of performing, but it is actually just the opposite: two tenors joining their trademark musicality to get one compact and unique, always lyrical band sound.

Miguel Fernández (ts), Miguel 'Pincho' Villar (ts), Juan Pablo Balcázar (b), Gonzalo del Val (d), Gorka Benítez (fl), Marc Miralta (vb)