ALBARE, Eclecticity

In my previous praise-filled writeups of versatile veteran jazz guitarist Albare’s Plays Jobim, Vol. 2, Freedom and Beyond Belief, the key points were his fanciful, often swinging interaction with pianist and longtime collaborator Phil Turcio and his status as a musical citizen of the world – born in Morocco, growing up in Israel and France and establishing himself as something of a living legend in his decades performing in Australia and residing in Melbourne, where he and his powerhouse ensemble The Jazz Alchemists have a residency at Bird’s Basement.

Albare’s latest jam magnificently embodies its title Eclecticity, not only showcasing his range of styles –smooth, funky and straight-ahead jazz, with deep dives into the blues – but also the talents of The Jazz Alchemists as well as the newly formed The Harmonix Experience. The cool thing about many of the Alchemists’ eight tracks is that we’re just as likely to hear solos by Turcio, trumpeter Mat Jodrel, bassist Phil Rex and saxophonist Phil Noy as we are to hear Albare’s exquisite, ultra-rhythmic and often fiery lead electric guitar melodies and solos.

Considering their individual resumes (which those who purchase the CD can enjoy reading about in the booklet), this shows Albare is not only an impactful emotional solo artist, but a selfless bandleader as well. Highlights among the Alchemist tracks are the laid back, down tempo smoky vibes of “All Night Blues,” the grooving straight ahead romp “Song for Bird” and lightly swinging “Israel Blues,” which features some of Albare’s most fluid yet intricate expressions.

Albare introduces The Harmonix Experience, which features Hammond B-3 master Jake Mason and tenor saxophonist Paul Williamson, with two later tracks – the infectious, romantic, Latin blues tinged “Midnight Mirage” and the funked out, soaring, brass fired “Round Trip,” which wraps the, yep, eclectic set on a sassy, playfully swaying high note. Though Mason and Williamson are billed here as “special guests,” the tracks featuring them are no doubt a preview of recordings Albare will do in the future with The Harmonix Experience. If you’ve never experienced the stylistically diverse jazz/blues of Albare, this album is a great place to start.