‘PEPE ZARAGOZA QUINTET’ PRESENTED THE ALBUM ‘EFIMER’ AT MAR D’AMURA IN VALENCIA

On a cool February evening in Valencia, the Pepe Zaragoza Quintet took to the stage to present Pepe’s newest album, Efimer, to an eager crowd of jazz enthusiasts at the atmospheric ‘Mar D’Amura’ in Cabanyal. With an ensemble comprising Pepe Zaragoza on trumpet, Perico Sambeat on saxophone, Dario di Lecce on double bass, Alberto Palau on piano, and Tico Porcar on drums, the quintet delivered an unforgettable night of intricate melodies and memorable grooves.

From the first note, it was clear that Efimer was a bold step forward for Zaragoza and his band. The opening track set the tone with a blend of fiery brass, expressive saxophone lines, and tight rhythm section support. Zaragoza’s trumpet, with its crisp tone and sophisticated phrasing, immediately captivated the audience. His mastery of the instrument was evident as he wove his way through complex harmonic structures, creating both delicate nuances and moments of high-octane energy.

The legendary Perico Sambeat on saxophone was a perfect counterpart to Zaragoza’s trumpet, providing intricate counterpoints and soaring improvisations. The interplay between the two was dynamic and often flirted with the boundaries of traditional jazz, adding a modern, exploratory edge to the performance. Sambeat’s deep, soulful tone seemed to resonate with the entire room, effortlessly transitioning from melodic to intense, before returning to cool, laid-back phrasing.

The rhythm section, anchored by Italian Dario di Lecce’s impressive double bass playing, brought a remarkable sense of movement to the performance. Di Lecce’s bass lines were both melodic and groove-driven, adding a pulse that seamlessly propelled the quintet forward. His playing was complemented beautifully by Alberto Palau’s piano work, which was at once elegant and adventurous. Palau’s solos had a sophisticated yet organic feel, providing the perfect foil for the brass-driven front line. His sensitive use of tone and colour was a discreet feature of the evening, pushing the music into subtle directions. He could well be Spain’s answer to Bill Evans…

Tico Porcar’s drums were a constant source of energy, laying down an intricate yet supple foundation. His dynamic range and tastefully executed accents gave the music an undeniable drive, and his improvisational contributions were spot-on, adding texture and texture to every track.

Throughout the performance, the quintet showcased their prowess at creating a balanced blend of composition and free-form improvisation. Efimer is clearly an album that reflects the collective vision of the band – it is reflective and introspective, yet full of surprises. The compositions often moved in unexpected directions, seamlessly transitioning from subdued ballads to moments of intensity and experimentation, never losing the essence of jazz spontaneity.

One standout moment came during a more meditative track, where the quintet allowed the room to breathe in silence between notes, creating a sense of space that was both captivating and intimate. This brief but powerful moment illustrated the group’s remarkable sensitivity and ability to move between delicate moments and high-energy bursts of creativity.

As the night wore on, the quintet’s connection with the audience became even more palpable. The music of Efimer is challenging but accessible, complex but emotionally resonant. Each musician’s role within the ensemble felt essential, and their collective sound was greater than the sum of its parts. The ensemble’s tightness, despite the freedom within the compositions, was a testament to their long periods of playing together and their commitment to musical exploration too.

In the end, the Pepe Zaragoza Quintet’s performance was a clear demonstration of their prowess as musicians where collective output is more important than individualism. They are there to serve the songs and not themselves. Efimer is an impressive showcase of contemporary jazz, brimming with a subtle creative energy and innovation too.

If this launch concert of sorts in Valencia was any indication, this album is sure to resonate with jazz fans both locally and internationally. Zaragoza and his band have crafted something truly special, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey. The night concluded to loud applause, leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating what’s next from this remarkable ensemble. Many thanks to shaker and mover Shyamala for organizing this special concert.

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team