NEFF IRIZARRY – Cambio (Change) – ENG review

Blue Canoe Records
Latin Jazz
NEFF IRIZARRY – Cambio (Change) - ENG review

Cambio” is a superb tribute to Latin jazz, illuminated by Irizarry’s Puerto Rican heritage and Scandinavian influences. Guitarist, composer and educator specialised in Latin and contemporary jazz, Neff Irizarry follows in the footsteps of Jim Hall, Pat Metheny and Steve Kahn and this is felt throughout the 11 tracks of this superb album. As a guitarist and composer, Neff positions himself as a storyteller, guiding us from one tableau to the next. And the titles of the tracks invite you to this wonderful musical trip: Adelante, Cabo Rojo, El Swing de la Finca, San Miguel de Los Acordes
This album is not just about Latin references. Neff Irizarry develops a unique style on this record which already makes him easily recognizable, with a vibrant energy and rhythmic sense that is a joy to hear.
Besides, the originality of this opus is not only linked to the absence of instruments that we find in many jazz albums, such as the saxophone, the piano or the drums, but it is also and especially by the presence of a vibraphone, which is irremediably reminiscent of the Modern Jazz Quartet, the quality of Martin Fibricius’ playing rivalling that of ‘Bags’, nickname given to the late Milton Jackson, the brilliant vibraphonist of the MJQ.
Ricardo Padilla, on percussion, is the perfect complement to Grammy award-winning bassist Jimmy Haslip, making this quartet rhythm a structure of formidable efficiency which allows Neff to unfold his beautiful Latin jazz and Fabricius to express himself freely.
Their cover of ‘The Rain Song‘ by Led Zeppelin is a model of what an adaptation of a well-known title can be by bringing their personal touch whilst paying homage to the original. Rare are such successful adaptations of rock songs in a jazzy version. Apart from this sublime adaptation of the piece by Page & Plant, the 10 other titles are all original compositions by Neff Irizarry which demonstrates that he is not only an excellent guitarist but also a particularly gifted composer.

We feel that through the 11 tracks the four musicians focus on playing together on the essence of the melody. The music unfolds over the 11 pieces like 11 paintings of striking beauty, with touches of colour specific to each instrument, without at any time one of the four musicians imposing himself, a guitar or a vibraphone solo being wrapped up by a layer of percussion supported by bass lines which define the conduct of the entire quartet. What stands out on this album are the arrangements and the fantastic mixing, which give splendid depth to all instruments and point toward a very Latin form of jazz. This album is above all a record of passion, created by passionate artists who share the same aesthetic values. This album certainly earns its place among the “Essentials” of 2024. Undoubtedly, it’s a MUST album that pays great tribute to Latin jazz!

Frankie Pfeiffer
Editor in chief – PARIS-MOVE

PARIS-MOVE, October 30th 2024

Follow PARIS-MOVE on X

::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Order the album HERE

Neff Irizarry’s Website

Blue Canoe Records Store

Featuring:
Neff Irizarry: guitars
Martin Fabricius: vibraphone
Jimmy Haslip: bass
Ricardo Padilla: percussion
Produced by Jimmy Haslip and Neff Irizarry
Mixed and Mastered by Alexandr Volk and Neff Irizarry – Wolk Recording Studios, Riga, Latvia November 2023

Tracklisting:
Adelante (Come Forward)
Cuatro Minutos (Four Minutes)
Cabo Rojo (Cape Red)
Cargado (Loaded)
The Rain Song (*)
El Swing de La Finca (Farm Swing)
Hija Mia (My Daughter)
Lluvia (Rain)
San Miguel de Los Acordes (St Michael of the Chords)
Vitamina R (Vitamin R)
Todo lo que Fuiste (All that you were)

(*) Page & Plant