The album starts with an electric hum and touches of vibraphone, but then the orchestra kicks in and all the elements become intertwined with the intricacy of the piece. We quickly feel the union and collective force that shines through in this piece, driven by the brilliance of the soloists. And if the soloists are the driving force, the orchestra, comprising two dozen members, is a well- oiled machine, which flows elegantly.
Reflecting upon the musical cohesion, the cover is particularly successful, simulating computer code, showing various circuit boards, each of which showcases the individual musicians. This piece lives off the connection and perfect harmony the players create. Each musician diligently fulfills their role with the requisite precision and constraint, contributing to the collective sound, which creates the grandiosity of this piece.
Eduardo Cardinho (Vibraphone) and Miguel Moreira (Guitar) both lend their considerable weight and experience to this project. Both are renowned musicians having collaborated in numerous projects. Cardinho released the albums “Black Hole” in 2016 and “In Search of Light” in 2019, as well as fronting the Gilip quintet and working with musicians such as Carlos Bica, João Barradas and André Rosinha. Moreira released the albums “Câmbio” in 2012 and “The Darkness of the Unknown” in 2020 and is part of Carlos Azevedo Quartet, João Mortágua Quintet (winner of Play award for the best jazz album in 2020), Drumming GP, among other partnerships.
The soloists contribute all of the compositions on the album and each one contributes with three pieces: Cardinho with “In Search of Light” and “Lua”, Moreira with “Câmbio”, “Coentros” and “Suite do Relógio” (this piece divided in three parts.) Furthermore, they are responsible for the orchestral arrangements, with the exception of the three pieces which were produced by the most eminent purveyors of jazz in the north of the country: the saxophonists João Pedro Brandão and José Pedro Coelho and the pianist Carlos Azevedo.
The group´s strength come from its sense of oneness, coupled with the two dozen musicians who perfectly engage with the conductor, Paulo Perfeito. At the same time, Moreira and Cardinho contribute brilliantly. The album title places the focus on the album’s two soloists, while the orchestra intricately shines, with Cardinho on the vibraphone and Miguel Moreira on guitar standing out instrumentally. Cardinho uses his virtuosity to provide colour, while Moreira’s irreverent guitar work adds musical layers.
Given its immense musical history, there is a need within jazz to become obsessed with, and therefore attempt to reproduce its past. The Espinho Jazz Orchestra takes a more daring route, opting for a more contemporary orchestral Jazz, reflecting current times. This music is current and alive.
Nuno Catarino
lançado em 15 de dezembro de 2024
01 CÂMBIO
Miguel Moreira
02 BIPOLAR HALLUCINATION
Eduardo Cardinho (arr. José Pedro Coelho)
03 SUITE DO RELÓGIO PARTE 1
Miguel Moreira
04 SUITE DO RELÓGIO PARTE 2
Miguel Moreira
05 SUITE DO RELÓGIO PARTE 3
Miguel Moreira
06 IN SEARCH OF LIGHT
Eduardo Cardinho (arr. Carlos Azevedo)
07 COENTROS
Miguel Moreira (arr. João Pedro Brandão)
08 LUA
Eduardo Cardinho
Rafael Gomes (Sax Alto I)
Raquel Lima (Sax Alto II)
Bryan Blake (Sax Tenor I)
Afonso Clemêncio (Sax Tenor II)
Bernal Muíños (Sax Barítono)
Miguel Botas (Trombone I)
Afonso Silva (Trombone II)
Ana Santos (Trombone III)
Rui Bandeira (Trombone Baixo)
Ricardo Formoso (Trompete II)
Hugo Silva (Trompete I)
Vasco Silva (Trompete III)
Rodrigo Cunha (Trompete IV)
Francisco Brito (Baixo/Contrabaixo)
Diogo Alexandre (Bateria)
José Diogo (Piano)
João Rosa (Marimba)
Manuel Dias (Marimba)
Paulo Perfeito (Direção Artística)
Miguel Moreira (Guitarra)
Eduardo Cardinho (Vibrafone)
jazz big band Espinho