Cambio (Change)
Blue Canoe, 2024
9/10
The composer, guitarist, author and educator Neff Irizarry meshes Latin, Puerto Rican and Nordic ideas into these 11 worldly tracks that recruit Martin Fabricius, Jimmy Haslip and Ricardo Padilla.
The frisky energy of “Adelante (Come Forward)” starts with Padilla’s lively percussion alongside Irizarry’s warm guitar tone, and “Cuatro Minutos (Four Minutes)” follows with Haslip’s fluid bass and Fabricius’ glowing vibraphone complementing the rich delivery.
“The Rain Song” lands in the middle and is full of soft beauty via the dreamy guitar and light percussion, while “El Swing de La Finca (Farm Swing)” comes with rhythm and playfulness that you could dance to.
Residing near the end, “San Miguel de Los Acordes (St Michael of the Chords)” is a rich and dynamic album highlight thanks to the swift percussion, flowing bass, meticulous guitar and animated vibes, and “Todo lo que Fuiste (All That You Were)” exits with an infectious and cultured energy that makes for a lasting impression.
A superb body of work that pays homage to the pairing of guitar and vibraphone, there’s no lack of rhythm, melodies and fusion to be adored here.
Travels well with: Randy Hoexter- Tomorrowsville; Bill Moio- Try This