| Jazz |
Dafnis Prieto is one of the standout figures of the jazz scene, with a style blending modern jazz, Afro rhythms, and a touch of Latin influences. Add a bit of flair, and with the right mix, you get creations like his. Prieto’s emergence on the New York jazz scene was compared to “an asteroid hitting the city” (The New York Times), and his reputation rightly portrays him as “one of the most multidimensional artists active today” (JazzTimes). The Cuban drummer is set to make another impact with his tenth album, *3 Sides of the Coin*. This album marks the return of Prieto’s renowned Sí o Sí (“Yes or Yes”) Quartet to the studio, a group joyfully reunited to celebrate both the leader’s quarter-century in the U.S. and his 50th birthday.
As a drummer and composer, rhythms are naturally at the heart of his compositions, and the other instruments seem to party endlessly without pausing for breath. *3 Sides of the Coin* began as a series of reflections on the ever-changing concept of interpreting the world and how each person’s perspective can differ radically. “The concept of the album arose from the intriguing and puzzling idea of ‘perception of reality,’ how different people can perceive and interpret a specific circumstance or even a simple object,” Prieto explains. Using the analogy of a coin, Prieto explores how, in addition to the two objectively visible sides of a coin, there’s an unspoken third side, which is the individual’s interpretation of the physical reality of the coin. “This album is about that third side: the one that looks, observes, and interprets reality in a personal way, which may not align with that of others—your own perception of life,” says Prieto. He further delves into this tangible analogy: “The coin brings a quality of ‘solid physicality,’ but even that can be interpreted in many ways. Therefore, the meaning we give to these objects and/or circumstances is entirely relative to how we are able to interpret them, whether collectively or individually.”
The progression of the tracks allows space for musicality, solos, and intricate melodies; everything about this artist seems to be an excuse for a game of structuring and deconstructing. Here and there, themes emerge that remind you of others without being fully recognizable—understandably so, as they are merely impressions meant to divert your attention from the core, just before the rhythm takes over again to pull you from your gentle reverie. With *3 Sides of the Coin*, Prieto surpasses even his own reputation. By combining the compositional and interpretive brilliance he is rightly adored for with such a bold and thoughtful concept, Prieto demonstrates that he is not only a musician of the highest caliber but also a thinker, storyteller, and sonic orator from the heart.
It’s true that we appreciate this type of artist, one who takes maximum risks to offer something different. The compositions and arrangements can be a bit intense at times, but let’s consider that as part of this composer’s artistic personality. At moments, it feels as though an army of musicians is in the studio, but it’s just Dafnis Prieto on drums, Peter Apfelbaum on soprano and tenor saxophones and flute, Martin Bejerano on piano, and Ricky Rodríguez on electric bass. Together, they deliver an album that joyfully lands in our “Essentials” category.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, September 17th 2024
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