A Porta Aperta
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The debut album from the trombonist Karl Silveira, the Toronto resident is in the company of David French (tenor sax), Allison Au (alto sax), Chris Pruden (piano), Dan Fortin (bass) and Nico Dann (drums) for a listen that’s as diverse as Silveira’s background in folk, classical, jazz, and Bossa Nova.
“Nymark Plaza” starts the listen with firm bass plucking and agile drumming as soulful sax guides the modern jazz climate, and “Perimeter” follows with dizzying piano and much atmosphere that unfolds with a bit of mystery amid the timeless landscape.
The title track lands in the middle and is both intimate and exploratory with much emphasis on the dynamic keys and precise bass, while “Trip The Light, Fantastic” brings a flurry of brass, crisp drums and fascinating layers.
The swift and bouncy “Rye & Lilacs”, which is the album’s best, will make an immediate impression with its dancing melodies, and “A Serretinha em Julho” exits the listen with much beauty present alongside the elegant piano, cozy brass and precise bass.
Recorded in just 2 very productive days, Silveira and company touch on both contemporary and traditional ideas, and their strong attention to detail and flowing chemistry makes for an exceptional first album.
Travels well with: Bernie Senensky- Don’t Look Back; Greg Amirault- News Blues