Jazz players (and presumably other musicians) use guide tones, which are deduced from chords, as a basis for melodic accompaniment. By titling his debut recording Guide Tones, Goran Levi, a guitarist born in Bulgaria but raised and based in Spain (Mallorca), signals his thorough grasp of theory and nods to his role as a music educator. His music, though, is accessible rather than academic, with strong melodies and alternately tight and loose interplay with the members of his band — Joan Garcias Tur on double bass, Josep Servera on drums, and Carlos Medina on tenor saxophone. This strong debut highlights Levi’s skills as a guitarist, composer, and bandleader.
The set begins with a pair of trio tracks without Medina. “Que Se Yo” features some distortion on the guitar and a brief but compelling solo from Tur, while “Forget Me Not-Simbelmyë” features cleaner guitar and a more leisurely pace. On the lovely single “Waltz for Tomeu-Fisherman’s Tale,” Levi switches to acoustic steel string somewhat in the manner of Tim Stine. “Yo Thelonious” captures the spirit of the titular figure with angular lines, loping bass, a quick solo from Servera, and Medina channeling Charlie Rouse. The smoky ballad “Remembrance” also gives Medina a chance to shine and, like “Forget Me Not,” shows that Levi’s playing is especially compelling when he slows things down.
Levi has clearly listened deeply to generations of jazz guitarists—among other influences, that of Pat Metheny seems evident, and, among younger players, he reminds me a little of Javier Subatin — but his voice is distinctive. While not fusion, the music shows the influence of rock. As the official video for “Song for Marius” (also featuring a fine solo by Tur) demonstrates, Levi’s formidable chops remain in service of the tune, rather than the tune serving as a platform for shredding, and he is generous toward his bandmates. In fact, my only complaint about Guide Tones is that, at barely 30 minutes long, it’s too short.
INSTANTZZ: Nacho Tomillo (Recital Fin de Carrera. Conservatori Superior Illes Balears) [Galería fotográfica AKA Fotoblog de jazz, impro… y algo más] Por José Luis Luna Rocafort
INSTANTZZ: Nacho Tomillo (Recital Fin de Carrera. Conservatori Superior Illes Balears) [Galería fotográfica AKA Fotoblog de jazz, impro… y algo más] Por José Luis Luna Rocafort
