Fenix - Gato Barbieri | Jazzbo Notes

Mar

26

Fenix - Gato Barbieri

≡ Category: 1970s, Fusion, Latin Jazz, Reviews, World Fusion, Worth A Listen |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

WORTH A LISTEN

Rating:

If you are looking for sophisticated, cutting edge jazz, Fenix ain’t it. But if what you’re after is sparkling Latin grooves and a romantic approach to the saxophone, Fenix just might be the ticket.

First off, the rhythm section is a bit overqualified for this sort of thing. You’ve got Ron Carter on bass, Lennie White on drums, and Nana Vasconcelos on percussion. Filling out the rhythm section are lesser known talents Lonnie Liston Smith on keys and Gene Golden on congas. I’ve never been much a fan of Lonnie Liston Smith’s playing, but here his playing is basic, but good enough for the material. He restricts himself mostly to comping, which is fine. Gene Golden is perfectly adequate on congas. Joe Beck on guitar is used mostly for color, which is a good thing since his leads tend to stink.

But what about the tunes?

On Carnavalito, the band switches back and forth between Andean folk melodies and a modal bag. Gato Barbieri uses this occasion to explore the upper reaches of the saxophone and beyond (he does that alot, by the way). This registers as passion and enthusiasm rather than as an extension of harmony or coloristic device, the way it might in the hands of a more sophisticated player, but it’s fine for what it is.

El Dia Que Me Quieras is a ballad, taken rubato, in which Gato and Lonnie Liston Smith compete to see who can pour more “feeling” into their performance. Who knows? Maybe it’s even sincere.

The rest of the tunes are of a similar simplicity and style. It is what it is.

I think the best way to enjoy Fenix is appreciate the killer rhythm section, the warm sound of the ensemble, Gato’s purple tone and melodrama (if you’re into that) and pretty much ignore the musical content of the solos, which are pretty remedial.

If you keep that in mind, Fenix is one of the better dates I’ve heard from Gato Barbieri in this style. But let the buyer beware — those who gravitate to more advanced jazz will probably get bored pretty quickly.