Altar
Piano Piano, 2022
8/10
The bassist and composer Pablo Lanouguere pens a very memorable batch of world fusion tracks here, where modern jazz, his Argentinian roots and tango and folklore are fleshed out with some esteemed help.
The title track starts the listen with Lanouguere’s playfully plucked bass, as Meg Okura’s firm violin and Franco Pinna’s well timed drums enter the adventurous climate, and “Tigran De La Pampa” follows with much cultured energy that showcases Emilio Teubal’s frisky piano and Federico Diaz’s warm guitar.
Halfway through, “Desalma” features Juana Luna on vocals for the melodic and expressive album highlight, while “Un Lento Para Bailar” recruits Horacio Romo on bandoneon for the stirring strings and technical bass playing.
Close to the end, “Nada Más” brings Luna back for the bright and meticulous textures, and “Un Bondi A Ningun Lado” exits with a bass solo piece that shimmers with a radiant beauty.
This is Lanouguere’s 2nd album with his quintet, and the outfit’s meshing of tango, folk, jazz and Argentinian sounds makes for a rich, groove friendly and dynamic version of World Fusion.
Travels well with: Marco Pignataro- Chant For Our Planet; Evan Drybread- Tiger Tail