Standing By The Crossroads
artistShare, 2023
8/10
Listen to Standing By The Crossroads
The pianist and composer Elio Villafranca brings us a very spiritual listen that surrounds his own journey as an artist living in Cuba, and it focuses much on Congolese music via his inimitable vision.
“H.B.C. (Habana Blues Chronicle)” starts the listen with Domo Branch’s acrobatic drumming and the bright brass complementing Villafranca’s very precise piano, and the title track follows with the playful sax interacting with the quick clarinet in the highly textured landscape.
“I Belong To You” arrives in the middle, and showcases Cécile McLorin Salvant’s gorgeous voice alongside Villafranca’s emotive keys, while “San Isidro” unfolds across two parts that emit much melody thanks to the complicated piano progressions, Edward Perez’s excellent bass and the firm brass.
Further still, the dynamic and busy landscape of “Keep The Eye On The Bull” is the album’s best, and “Picture Window” exits the listen with a very worldly and rhythmic finish to a truly artistic body of work.
A very eclectic listen that incorporates classical, Afro-Caribbean ideas, modern jazz and modern Latin sounds, Villafranca makes for an enlightening and timeless experience.
Travels well with: Isaiah J. Thompson- The Power Of The Spirit; Arturo O’Farrill- Virtual Birdland