Strikers

JUAN DE DIEGO 4et

Grebalariak

ER-129

 

The restless and prolific
trumpet player from Bilbao, Juan De Diego, is back with a new project
and that is always good news for lovers of the intrepid, elegant, and full of
nuances kind of jazz that he always displays. “Grebalariak”(Strikers),
has been recorded in a new format never used by Juan until now, an acoustic
quartet (piano, bass, drums, and trumpet) is no exception but adds a resting
point to his compositions and rhythms allowing us to appreciate in deep detail
the delicacy in which the melodies are interwoven in a colorful and beautiful
tapestry of sounds. In a be-bop classical record style, built with a vivacity
that tastes more, much more, of pure enjoyment in the personal exploration of
its infinite possibilities than a mere nostalgic recreation.

 

“Grebalariak” is based on 10 unpublished compositions by Juan
himself and features the contribution from three superb and sought-after
artists: pianist from Mallorca Toni Vaquer, double bass player Pere
Loewe and drummer Ramón Prats. Musicians of very wide scenic and
educational trajectory, especially in Pere´s case, whose Brazilian and Latin
preferences slip into small drifts that make this delicious collection even
more appetizing. On the other hand, Juan
de Diego, based in Barcelona since 1993, is not far behind, he has been
part of projects such as Freaky Trio, Juan de Diego Trio, Juan de Diego Trakas,
Dediego Brothers and has performed and recorded with Benny Golson, Nicholas
Payton, Jesse Davis, Frank Wess, Perico Sambeat, Jeff Ballard, Armando
Manzanero, Olga Guillot or Ruper Ordorika, among others.

 

“Grebalariak” does not forget about the socio-political
concerns that always permeate Juan’s albums, and in this case refers to the
general strike called La Canadiense in 1919 on its 100th anniversary. Thanks to
it, among other things, the 8-hour working day was established, and the song Greba
itself is dedicated to those people who fought and gave their lives for it.
Nor does it forget to leave a small nod to Jack Johnson and the
disastrous consequences of his resounding victory over the white boxing
champion in the African American community. Thus, becoming a symbol of struggle
to which great Miles Davis already referred to in a tribute album and whose
echoes resound in the beautiful Juan’s trumpet phrasings.

Tribute, commitment, and pure sound pleasure