Short Reviews [Jaume de Viala - 2023 - Calidoscopi "Embruixat"]

While the name of Spanish guitarist and composer Jaume de Viala is new to me, some of the musicians involved are quite familiar with Dusan Jevtovic (electric and acoustic guitars), Vasil Hadzimanov (pianos, synthesizers and Hammond organ) and Asaf Sirkis (drums) all part of the band. I have been reviewing them individually and in bands for years, and they are all highly accomplished musicians so just seeing their involvement leads me to believe this is a jazz fusion album of some repute. The band is completed by Judit Cucala (vocals), Bernat Hernandez (electric bass and fretless bass) and Aleksandar Petrov (percussion and Tapan) plus there are some guests who also help out in different places. Apparently, all but three of the songs on this album were originally written back in 1978-79 and is mostly instrumental (Judit appears on just three numbers). It certainly feels like it has come from the JRF explosion from the late Seventies, with Sirkis very much setting the foundation (I am sure it was of little surprise to anyone that he became the newest member of Soft Machine earlier this year). He links in tightly with the wonderfully warm bass of Hernandez, and this then allows the melodies to flow. Hadzimanov is a wonderful keyboard player, either taking the lead or setting the backdrop for the guitarists, and it is interesting to hear Jevtovic in a somewhat more restrained mode than one normally expects, tying in with Viala to produce an album full of light and passion. At times we have some nice elements of folk being introduced, but for the most part what we have is something which is reflective and enjoyable which lets the world pass by at a leisurely pace. It certainly feels quite Mediterranean in approach, and one can imagine whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, people sat outside in the sun enjoying some wine and bread, while others sit at the feet of the musicians in the village square. The use of a fretless bass at times is quite inspired as it allows the notes to be swept into and out of, with a wonderful warmth, quite distinct from the more strident and forthright notes of the guitars. I do not believe I heard the debut album from Jaume, so when he says there is more prog and fusion elements on this one than the last, I must believe him. All I can say is that this album is a delight, easy to listen to without ever being easy listening, and one which lovers of the genre will surely enjoy. I do wonder why this has not been released through Moonjune given there are some well-known musicians from that label involved, but possible that will happen in the future.