
Absolute Quintet (Zoho Music)
Dafnis Prieto
Released March 15, 2006
Grammy Nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album 2007
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_koQo2UsrmrMy1LA_JB_-IPbjx2Rv64x8M
Spotify:
About:
Dafnis Prieto is a percussionist whose dazzling technical abilities electrify audiences and whose rhythmically adventurous compositions combine a range of musical vocabularies. A classically trained musician who absorbed from an early age the multifaceted percussive traditions of his native Cuba, Prieto transposes elements from his Afro-Cuban musical heritage onto a jazz drum kit, incorporating congas, timbales, and the layered rhythmic patterns of rumba and son. Whether performing as a solo artist, bandleader, or sideman, his playing is characterized by a finely calibrated command of textures and nuances and an ability to execute highly complex, polyrhythmic structures with extraordinary speed and precision. As a composer, Prieto melds modern jazz harmonies, Cuban clave rhythms, other Latin and African influences, and funk-inspired arrangements to create works of great stylistic diversity that evoke a broad spectrum of moods. His 2006 recording, Absolute Quintet, showcases both his powerful and propulsive playing as well as his interest in composing for a nonstandard ensemble of organ, cello, violin, saxophone, and drums.
Track Listing:
1. The Coolest (Dafnis Prieto) 3:26
2. Sensaciones (Dafnis Prieto) 6:14
3. The Stutterer (Dafnis Prieto) 6:41
4. Afrotango (Dafnis Prieto) 8:19
5. One Day Suite: Morning (Dafnis Prieto) 10:13
6. One Day Suite: Afternoon (Dafnis Prieto) 3:31
7. One Day Suite: Night (Dafnis Prieto) 4:22
8. New Elephant (Dafnis Prieto) 6:09
9. Renew the Elephant (Dafnis Prieto) 5:10
10. Innocent Bird (Dafnis Prieto) 5:41
Personnel:
Dafnis Prieto: drums, vocals (1), bells (5) Christian Howes: violin, bass violin (5-7)
Dana Leong: cello
Yosvany Terry: alto saxophone (1, 3, 8), soprano saxophone (2, 5, 6, 10), tenor saxophone (9), chekere (5)
Jason Lindner: hammond organ & keyboards, vocals (1)
Special guest
Henry Threadgill: alto saxophone (4)
Recorded October 2005, at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY, by Joe Marciano
Mixed by Jeff Wolpert
Mastered by Peter J. Moore
Cover Photo by Ben Long
Design: 3+Co.
Produced by Roberto Occhipinti
Executive Producer: Dafnis Prieto
Review:
Dafnis Prieto is not an ordinary drummer and Absolute Quintet is not a typical Latin jazz recording. Prieto knows the Cuban clave rhythms and is aware of the music’s heritage. Yes, he plays fiercely, with an array of tools from his kit. Sure, he’s got the juice, with quickness, precision and inventiveness. But if you listen closely, there are many other elements brewing on this, his second release as a leader.
Like 2005’s About The Monks, the new music has quirky rhythms and snaking patterns, matched with Prieto’s ever-lively playing. But now he brushes his compositions with wider and more thoughtful strokes, making use of a dynamic new quintet featuring Jason Lindner (keyboards), Yosvany Terry (saxophones), Christian Howes (violin), Dana Leong (cello) and special guest artist Henry Threadgill (alto saxophone) on “Afrotango.
Prieto navigates his bass-less ensemble through a variety of waters. On “The Stutterer, the drums and strings hold down a pulsing groove through wicked patterns. On the poignant, soulful “Afrotango, Threadgill’s earthy alto and Lindner’s peculiar keyboards enhance a gypsy-like aura. Prieto’s writing on “One Day Suite has sweeping overtones and vivid sections, each depicting the moods of morning, afternoon or night—all different but musically appealing.
Each instrument plays an integral role in the music. Howes and Leong are clearly versed in classical and free modes; the violin and cello not only provide ambience, but also individuality on “One Day Suite: Afternoon, with a chamber music sophistication. “New Elephant and “Renew Elephant bring touches of icy impressionism, yet Prieto and Terry’s rapid solos add heat. “Innocent Bird ends this colorful menagerie of sounds, drawing from many influences and also incorporating tinges of gospel organ, blues, and soul. The result is definitely something out of the ordinary.
Mark F. Turner (All About Jazz)