Brutal Fairytale
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The Cuban artist Raul Eduardo Blanco Legra is fine here company here, where Brandt Fisher’s tenor sax, Noah Austin’s trumpet, Gabriella Aragon’s trombone/vocals, Joseph Ballestrasse’s bass and Anthony Channita’s drums are present and appreciated across the worldly listen.
The title track opens the listen with a quick burst of dense energy before very pretty singing enters alongside warm brass and agile drumming, and “Spanish Tale In Arabia” follows with playful keys from Blanco that are met with elegant melodies and soulful trumpet from Austin.
Deeper into the listen, “Origins” displays dancing keys amid the cultured drumming from Channita, while “Wooden House” flows with incredible and precise musicianship that’s both mature and adventurous.
“Traces Of You” arrives deeper into the affair and showcases sublime singing in the gorgeous balladry, and “Ska-Monk (For Air Guitar And Jazz Combo)” exits the listen with 8 minutes of fusion ideas that are rhythmic, upbeat and dance-friendly.
Despite being rooted in firm jazz sounds, you’ll enjoy Afro-Cuban nods, reggae, ska and pop-rock to name a few, and it makes for one of the most creative endeavors in recent history.
Travels well with: Randal Clark- Imaginary World; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards