Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » John Beasley, Jose Gola & Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez: ...
John Beasley, Jose Gola & Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez: El Trio Live in Italy
ByThe music is a feverish mix of Cuban grooves combined with a '70s jazz-rock flavor, displaying the individual talents of these prestigious musicians. John Beasley casts a vivacious and dynamic style reminiscent of Joe Zawinul.
They kick things off with "Preludio Di Trio" which is a short track, featuring Beasley's swarming synth chords with warm overlays and the drummer's swishing cymbals. Throughout, Hernadez is a one-man percussion ensemble, abetted by the bassist's agile, fluent lines. The band generates a flamboyant and, at times, grandiose persona, awash with alternating Afro-Cuban grooves, and melodic solos which circumnavigate the primary themes.
On "En 4" Beasley uses a flute-based synth setting atop a spicy Latin pulse, countered by Gola's sinewy passages. And they dish out a vibrant and succinct take on Wayne Shorter's "Elegant People," derived from his time with Weather Report. In other spots, they beef up ballads with up-tempo breakouts. However, Gola takes center stage during "Bass Solo Interlude," distinguished by his lyrical notes, deft picking, and application of chord-based harmonics. This track leads into "Timbeando," which is an intense jam, highlighted by Beasley's rapid-fire synth patterns and an expanding undercurrent leading to bop and a few Miles Davis quotes.
This album encapsulates the cultural fusion that characterizes El Trio's music, emphasizing the unifying power of their work while leaving listeners with a feeling of connection, and anticipation for future encounters.
Track Listing
Preludio di Trio; 3 For Africa; En 4; Elegant People; Song for Dub; Sierra; Bass Solo Interlude; Timbeando; Camino De Mango; Arroz Con Mango.
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
John Beasley: keyboards and synthesizers.
Album information
Title: El Trio Live in Italy | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Challenge Records
< Previous
The Keith Jarrett Trio: Ten Essential...
Next >
Real Life