EDU TANCREDI & BANDON 33
Ongoing Dreams (Fresh Sound/World Jazz)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Born in Uruguay, pianist/composer/leader Eduardo Tancredi is now based in Boston, where he serves on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music. Hardly a stuffy musical academician, though, Tancredi is active in several ensembles, none more notably than his own 10 piece ensemble, Bandon 33.

Their latest release, Ongoing Dreams, is a multifaceted gem of an album, revealing Tancredi's cross-cultural approach to Latin music (he was born near the Brazilian border and is a devotee of Afro-Cuban styles as well), bop influences and a willingness to let his band take the music outside when the spirit moves. He's assembled a collection of virtuoso players to present some of the most striking original jazz compositions I've heard in recent years (it's no accident that Berklee offered him a post in the Harmony department). There's simply not an unsatisfying moment among the ten tracks offered here. With a sax section including tenor, alto and baritone instruments, brass that includes trumpet and trombone and a strong rhythm section featuring drums, bass, a pair of percussionists and Tancredi's own fine piano work, he has a wide range of tonal colors on his musical palette and he blends them effectively, maintaining a high level of interest and artistry throughout. This one is well worth seeking out.

Track List:

La Mama Vieja * Jopo Ropo Ropo * Levitating Soul * Ongoing Dreams * Moon Over * Loud Pictures * Basilio Araujo * Mazamorrera * Sofra * Mirame A Los Ojas

[Pick this up at www.bluemoon.es.]

© 2002 - Shaun Dale