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Sergio Pamies: Time to Say

By Jack Bowers
March 21, 2025
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Spanish themes and rhythms reign supreme on Time to Say, Granada-born composer, arranger and pianist

Sergio Pamies

piano
b.1983

" data-original-title="" title="">Sergio Pamies' fourth album, one that is enhanced on its opening and closing numbers, respectively, by the presence of renowned woodwind artists

Dave Liebman

saxophone
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Liebman and

Paquito D'Rivera

clarinet
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Paquito D'Rivera.

Not that Pamies' septet needs much help, as everyone is laser-focused and totally in sync. At the same time, Pamies, trumpeter

Alex Norris

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Alex Norris, trombonist

Marshall Gilkes

trombone
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Marshall Gilkes and saxophonist

" data-original-title="" title="">Michael Thomas (on alto or soprano) are stellar soloists who never miss a chance to impress or surprise. Of course, any Spanish-flavored recording needs an impressive rhythm section, and Pamies checked that box by enlisting bassist

Ricky Rodriguez

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Ricky Rodriguez, drummer

Jimmy Macbride

drums
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Macbride and percussionist

Samuel Torres

percussion
b.1976

" data-original-title="" title="">Samuel Torres (reinforced on the opening number/title song by percussionist—and hand-clapper-in-chief—

Miguel Fernandez

saxophone, tenor
b.1978

" data-original-title="" title="">Miguel Fernandez).

The music is (almost) all Pameis and all seductive, marrying splendid melodies and inspiring rhythms to produce an appetizing feast for the ears and heart. Liebman is typically supple and fluent on "Time to Say" (a tribute, Pameis writes, to

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea), on which the leader frames one of his several eloquent solos). Following the through-composed (and thoroughly delightful) "Puerta de Oro," Norris and Thomas command center stage, delivering sharp and perceptive solos on the prismatic "Sleep Delirium" and rhythmically delightful "Dudu." Gilkes is similarly articulate on the meditative "Ultima Rezo" ("the last prayer," a paean to Pamies' grandmother), while Torres and Rodriguez assume leading roles on "Corazonada," Pameis' tribute to a colleague and friend, the late bassist

Jeff Eckels

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeff Eckels.

Kenny Wheeler's brisk and sunny "Miold Man," the only item on the menu not cooked up by Pameis, is another platform on which Gilkes, Norris and Torres unveil their impressive chops before D'Rivera (on clarinet) and the ensemble neatly seal the pleasing package via the charming "Nana para Sergito." If seductive melodies with a strong rhythmic pulse make up your music of choice, it is Time to Say that might make its mark on you.

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Track Listing

Time to Say; Puerta de Oro; Steep Delirium; Duda; Ultimo Reza (para Carmen); Coraganada; Miold Man; Hana para Sergito.

Personnel

Sergio Pamies

piano

Dave Liebman

saxophone

Paquito D'Rivera

clarinet

Alex Norris

trumpet

Michael Thomas

trumpet

Marshall Gilkes

trombone

Samuel Torres

percussion

Jimmy Macbride

drums

Ricky Rodriguez

bass

Daniel Pardo

flute

Miguel Fernandez

saxophone, tenor

Album information

Title: Time to Say | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Self Produced

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