Memorias
Calligram, 2025
9/10
The drummer and composer Juan Pastor pens an album that surrounds memory and identity, where the Chinchano ensemble are in attendance for the 7 worldly tracks.
“Celinda” opens with José ‘Pepe’ Mantero’s playful castanets that complement Dustin Laurenzi’s rich tenor sax via the playful climate, and “Entre el Humo” follows with Pastor’s frisky drums amid Matt Ulery’s animated bass playing.
In the middle, “Tonada de Luna Llena” makes great use of Stu Mindeman’s graceful piano alongside the soothing climate of warmth, while “Human Touch” benefits from Gian Luiggi Cortez Mejia’s colorful percussion amid the firm keys and swirling sax.
The last track belongs to “Descarga Galáctica”, which is a rhythmic and busy finish to a cultured and meticulous effort.
This is Pastor and company’s 5th release, and it’s a groove filled bout of Peruvian sounds that are not short on melody, improvisation and timelessness.
Travels well with: Kevin Brunkhorst- After The Fire; José Gobbo Trio- Confluence