[This review was first published in Jazz Journal in 2010.]
Taylor Ho Bynum (c, flh)
Abraham Gomez-Delgado (p, v)
and others.
Plena Organization
Travels Parts 1 & 2
Metro Mono
Plena Seguiro
Stillness/Life
Post Chordal
Plena Quicksand Monument
Revamped
Travels Parts 3 & 4
Contendio Adentro
(61.07)
2008.
Cuneiform Records Rune 286
An eclectic, inventive, original and sometimes overwhelming mix of big band, Latin, world, free, Downtown clatter jazz. “Garabato” is Spanish for scribble or doodle and this certainly sounds like a collection of talented musical doodles. Fascinating and diverse with great playing from all concerned, the one live track – Travels Parts 3 & 4 – melds all their influences into a cohesive whole and shows them at their best. However, in the home-listening CD format their eclecticism can make for a jarring experience. This album feels like a portfolio, showcasing examples of everything they do; hopefully volume two will narrow the scope a little and explore just two or three of their chosen avenues.