Ozean
Origin, 2022
9/10
The guitarist and composer Hugo Fernandez brings his Berlin based quartet to these 8 rich tunes that embrace folk, classical and even pop into the memorable jazz formula.
“Spark of Desire” starts the listen with Fernandez’s smooth guitar alongside the soulful trumpet, as light drumming complements the introspective climate, and “Imaginary Geometry” follows with a firm drum presence amid strategic bass work to complement the agile, stylish album highlight.
“Birdhouse” and “Undercurrent” land in the middle, where the former emits a hypnotic presence that benefits much from the reflective brass, while the latter simmers with much beauty as the quartet interact both playfully and cautiously.
Close to the end, “Neptune Grass” is a quick and dynamic display of timeless jazz sensibilities, and “Latina” exits the listen with some exciting pop ideas mixed into the rhythmic, cultured finish.
Fernandez has lived all over the globe, and he brings those experiences to this diverse and charming listen that makes great use of Christoph Titz’s trumpet and flugelhorn, Martin Lillich’s electric bass and Jesus Vega’s drums.
Travels well with: Ben Morris- Pocket Guides; Rich Pellegrin- Passage