Antonio Gónzalez & Arturo Serra - Bright Colors (2023)

It includes 8 songs selected in a very personal way between both musicians in line with the premises that guide their ideology: a love for hard bop aesthetics and for classic jazz compositions that are part of the musical and emotional ideology of the members of the group, except for the original “Cuartada” signed by pianist Juan Galiardo.

“The Far Side”, the opening track, is a composition by the English pianist and composer Kate Williams included on the album Atlas and Vulcana (Kwjazz, 2014). “Where'd It Go” is an original by the singer Carmen Lundy - album Jazz and The New Song Book: Liva at Madrid (Afrasia, 2005) -, “Cut Plug” is an exciting blues by the legendary alto and tenor sax player Sonny Stitt —Rearin' Back (Argo, 1962)—. In the moving ballad “Don't Explain” by Billy Holiday, Antonio's alto sax cracks like Lady Daycon's voice and the depth of Lester Young's tenor, the singer's body & soul companion—it is no coincidence that Antonio performs the same with the alto and the tenor, even, sometimes, the baritone. The festive “Circus,” written by Bob Russell and Lou Alter, appeared on the album Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers! (Impulse!, 1961). Little known is the delicate “Bright Colors”, the title track of the album, written by drummer Chip White (1946-2020) – Personal Dedications & Percussive Tributes (Dark Colors, 2011) – and, as a closer, “Aquarian Melody” , a fun and substantial song, original by American saxophonist Harold Ousley (1929-2015).

The result is an excellent album, with a distinguished touch that reveals a varied repertoire that will delight lovers of jazz and, or, improvised music. Music made with a current jazz language but firmly anchored in tradition in which Mediterranean airs intermingle with misty Nordic breezes. and the arrangements that give unity to a repertoire of such diverse stylistic origin stand out.