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Emilio Solla Tango Jazz Orchestra: Puertos: Music From International Waters
ByThen there was

Astor Piazzolla
bandoneon1921 - 1992

Emilio Solla
pianob.1962
Puertos features Solla's largest recorded ensemble to date, a seventeen-piece jazz tango orchestra that includes several guest artist appearances. The music embraces the theme of "ports" ("puertos"), celebrating the contributions of those arrival/departure spots that have historically brought diverse people, cultures and music together: Buenos Aires (Solla's birthplace), New Orleans, Catagena, New York (where Solla is now based), Cadiz and more.
Solla's modern take on the tango is a sweeping, surging, often majestic sound. It has everything: passion, grandeur, beauty, lilting grooves, driving rhythms, and a multiplicity of inspired soloing.
The opener, "Sol La, Al Sol" exudes a propulsive, Afro-Cuban mambo vibe. "Llegara, Llegara, Llegara" is, arguably, the set's tour de forcealthough there are several tunes that could compete for the title. It is an expansive odyssey, with layered harmonies and a gorgeous jumble of percussion, featuring an intricate and exhilarating solo from pianist

Arturo O'Farrill
pianob.1960
"Chakafrik" speaks to the city of Benguela, an Angolan port which was the source of human cargo during the slave trade. "You can't make an album with jazz and tango without recognising the importance of Africans in the Americas," Solla says. It is an ebullient tune featuring a searing alto sax solo by Tod Bashore.
"Four For Miles" is a second nominee for the tour de force prize. It begins with a

Gil Evans
composer / conductor1912 - 1988

Miles Davis
trumpet1926 - 1991

Marcus Miller
bassb.1959
This is music for the heart and soul and, of course, for the feetfor those who dare to attempt to dance the tango. It is a triumph. Puertos: Music From International Waters is the finest recording in the Emilio Solla discography to date. ">
Track Listing
Sol La, Al Sol; Llegara, Llegara, LLegara; Chakafrik; La Novena; Four For Miles; Allegron; Andan Lucas; Buenos Aires Blues.
Personnel
Emilio Solla
pianoAlejandro Aviles: flutes; Todd Bashore: flutes, clarinet; Tim Armacost: tenor sax, alto flute, clarinet; John Ellis: tenor sax, soprano sax, clarinet, flute; Terry Goss: Bariotne sax, bass clarinet; Alex Norris: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jim Seeley: trumpet, flugelhorn; Jonathan Powell: trumpet, flugelhorn; MNoah Bless: trombone; Mike Fahie: trombone; Eric Miller: trombone; James Rodgers: bass trombone; Julien Labro: bandoneon, accordina; Emilio Solla piano, conducting; Pablo Aslan: bass; Ferenc Nemeth: drums. Guests: Samuel Torres: congas (1); Artuo Prendez: percussion (2); Franco Pina: bombo leguro (6); Arturo O'Farrill: piano (2); Edmar Casteneda: harp (6).
Album information
Title: Puertos: Music From International Waters | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Avantango Records
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