Album Review: 'Providencia' by Danilo Pérez

On Providencia, pianist Danilo Pérez assembles an assorted ensemble to access expansive musical colors. His sweeping compositions, accented with Latin rhythms, reach to strike lofty sentiments, and are elevated in part by various timbral combinations. Surrounding Pérez and his core trio of bassist Ben Street and drummer Adam Cruz, are saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, percussionists Jamey Haddad and Ernesto Diaz, vocalist Sara Serpa, and a woodwind quintet.

The first track, “Daniela’s Chronicles,” introduces the devices that define Providencia’s character: the narrative aspect of Pérez’ compositions, a rich palette of instruments and rhythms that suggest a global musical conglomerate, and unique timbres struck by various instrument pairings. The piece is highlighted with an array of percussion supplied by Jamey Haddad, and a smattering of steel pans doubling a piano melody.

“Galactic Panama” features Rudresh Mahanthappa, a saxophonist of Indian descent who’s ferocious imprvosing is inspired by the scales and phrasing heard in Indian classical music. He and Pérez, whose Panamanian origins play a strong role in much of his music, exchange frantic solos. Their agitated virtuosity, each highly informed by entirely different musical cultures, is unexpected and alluring.

“Bridge of Life, Part I” feature a woodwind quintet composed of flautist Matt Marvuglio, oboeist Barbara Laffitte, hornist Amparo Edo Biol, bassoonist Margaret Phillips, and clarinetist Jose Benito Meza Torres. The quintet creates a sprightly atmosphere, emphasized when the core trio joins in. The later arrival of “The Bridge of Life, Part II” strikes a slightly more mysterious and anxious note, featuring the quintet.

“Providencia” features vocalist Sara Serpa, and is driven by an undercurrent of traditional rumba. Serpa’s crystalline and wordless vocals sung in unison with flute, creating a delicate thread around which Pérez weaves flitting adornments.

Providencia is appealing for it’s timbral and cultural combinations, and for its ability to suggest drama and narrative. However, the incorporation of Mahanthappa, Serpa, and the woodwind quintet are somewhat at odds with one another. The album ends up feeling like highlights from three different projects, and is therefore, although beautiful, somewhat incoherent.

Release Date:

August 31st, 2010 on Mack Avenue Records

Personnel:

• Danilo Perez – Piano
• Ben Street – Bass
• Adam Cruz – Drums, Steel Pans
• Rudresh Mahanthappa – Alto Saxophone
• Jamey Haddad – Percussion
• Ernesto Diaz – Congas
• Sara Serpa – Vocals
• Matt Marvuglio – Flute
• Barbara Laffitte – Oboe
• Amparo Edo Biol – French Horn
• Margaret Phillips – Bassoon
• Jose Benito Meza Torres – Clarinet

Track List:

1. Daniela's Chronicles
2. Galactic Panama
3. Historia De Un Amor
4. Bridge of Life, Part I
5. Providencia
6. Irremediablemente Solo
7. The Oracle
8. Bridge of Life, Part II
9. The Maze: The Beginning
10. Cobilla
11. The Maze: The End