Music - like most art - can very much serve as a monument to a time and place synonymous with its maker; a bridge of sorts to various facets of us as individuals but also as a way to connect with the hearts and minds of those around us. And it's a connection to those we hold dear, those who have nurtured, inspired, supported, loved... or even hurt us, but connections that ultimately tell invaluable stories of the paths we all walk and the legacy we leave behind.
The release of Javier Rojo's 'Música Para Amansar Fieras' seems to finds its grounding within these very ideals. For the Guadalajara-born, Basel-based saxophonist, music is very much entrenched as a part of his own being. Following his studies in his now-home of Switzerland and having achieved a Masters in Performance at the Basel Jazz Campus, Rojo's explorations have seen his passion for the instrument, for performance and collaboration take him to stages across Spain and Europe and now to the hallowed walls of Fresh Sound New Talent.
Serving as champions to new, innovative and undiscovered artists within jazz from all parts of the world, 'Música Para Amansar Fieras' makes such a worthy contribution to the catalogue of the Spanish label that boasts excellent somewhat recent releases from Mike De Souza, Tom Ollendorff and Jonny Wickham.
Backed by a close-knit ensemble comprised of trumpeter Álvoro Ocón, guitarist Eliott Knuets, pianist Noé Sécula, bassist Joan Codina and drummer Genius Wesley, Rojo's sextet have cultivated a precision in their performance honed over a considerable amount of time on the road around Spain and, as keen improvisers, the exquisite selection of ten compositions that adorn 'Música Para Amansar Fieras' represent the best of the band's spontaneity and ability to play off each other but still striking a masterful balance with Rojo's abilities as a band leader and composer.
And in line with the elegant tapestry of experiences, inspirations and devotion that went into the creation of each of the album's tracks, the respective narrative of each gifts us a beautiful mosaic of styles that see Rojo and company soar over the more spirited numbers like 'Coefusión Monstruosa' and 'Plátanos, Aguacates y Naranjas' while delivering an equally prestigious standard with the more introspective numbers like 'Riba' (which features a very welcome appearance by flautist Fernando Brox) and 'Clemirunas'.
'Música Para Amansar Fieras' is the musical embodiment of wearing one's heart on their sleeve. At the hands of Javier Rojo, the album delivers as a wonderful introduction to an impassioned artist who has already mastered the art of steeping his music within his own truth and creating with honest and conviction.
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