Bicho Bolita
ears & eyes, 2024
9/10
The 7th album from Rodrigo Domínguez brings Nataniel Edelman and Fermin Merlo along for the 7 tracks of atypical jazz ideas.
The title track starts with Dominguez’s bright sax and Merlo’s lively drums making for a rhythmic presence, and “Polenta Magica” follows with a soulful and gentle spirit thanks to the heartfelt wind and Edelman’s bare keys.
In the middle, “Rota” comes with an upbeat energy that’s infectious and enlists scrappy drumming, while “De La Mano” emits a reflective mood thanks to the well timed sax, light keys and sparse drumming.
“Impro 4” and “Pareidolia” land in the middle. The former is adventurous and cinematic in its atypical delivery, and the latter uses space and tension with a very creative approach.
Dominguez has a lengthy and diverse resume, and along with the inimitable talents of Edelman and Merlo he meshes improvisation and culture into a highly creative version of jazz.
Travels well with: Igor Lumpert Quartet- Resistance Of The Earth; Ben Zucker’s Fifth Season- Semiterritory