Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: El Muki
Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet: El Muki
ByGabriel Alegria
trumpetEl Muki, according to the notes, is "a mythical Andean elf, traditionally believed to protect miners in the Peruvian highlands." He is represented here by the first of Alegria's charming original compositions, a metric juggernaut dominated by the sextet's heavy-duty rhythm section. Saxophonist
Laura Andrea Leguia
saxophoneAn uncommon groove called lando is used to depict the enigmatic communication among fireflies on Alegria's "Luciernagas," while Leguia's "Mala Senal" (Bad Sign) sets the temperature on high and Alegria's unhurried "Panabe" paints a colorful portrait of the Amazon river's rare pink dolphin. Leguia's galloping "Vista Panoramica" (Bird's Eye View) and pensive "Ausencia" (Absence) are next, and she co-wrote the upbeat "La Zafra" (The Harvest) with Thomas Marsch. Alegria's graceful "Despertar" (Awakening) leads to "Walking on the Moon."
As one would expect from a group with such wide experience, the sextet is letter-perfect, and there are a number of sharp and productive solos by Leguia (on tenor, alto and soprano sax), Alegria and guitarist
Jocho Velasquez
guitarTrack Listing
El Muki; Luciernagas (Fireflies); Mala Senal (Bad Sign); Panabe; Vista Panoramica (Bird's Eye View); Ausencia (Absence); La Zafra (The Harvest); Despertar (Awakening); Walking on the Moon.
Personnel
Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet
band / ensemble / orchestraGabriel Alegria
trumpetLaura Andrea Leguia
saxophoneFreddy "Huevito" Lóbaton
percussionJocho Velasquez
guitarMario Cuba
bassHugo Alcazar
drumsJulio Flavio Maza
saxophoneAlbum information
Title: El Muki | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Saponegro Records
Tags
Comments
About Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
