Eleven
Galileo, 2023
8/10
This 3rd album from the Berlin quartet Rasgueo brings both Flameno and jazz ideas to a very wordly listen that makes great use of new member, José Ruiz Motos ‘Bandolero’.
The title track starts the listen with Nikos Tsiachris’ fluid Flamenco guitar for the energetic climate that’s also capable of calm moments, too, and “First Step” follows with Martin Auer’s radiant trumpet that suits the more jazz oriented mood of unpredictable melody.
Further along, “Secret Mind” carries a dreamy demeanor of gentle beauty thanks to ‘Bandolero’s’ atmospheric drumming, while “Crossing Paths” emits bright brass and flowing guitar, where Martin Lillich’s strategic bass won’t go unnoticed.
Arriving near the end, the intimate and rich “Dilemma” is not without harmonic gestures of textured ideas, and “White Nights” exits with an introspective appeal of meticulous guitar, cozy bass and agile drumming.
Bandolero’s Spanish influenced percussion is a fine addition to Rasgueo’s formula, and these 11 flawlessly executed songs resonate with a global jazz presence that you can’t not admire.
Travels well with: Lina- Fado Camões; Esbe- La Serenissima