The jazzman returns to his roots

Drummer and composer Mikel Urretagoiena belongs to that new generation of Basque musicians who have emerged as true references within the jazz scene. Graduated from the Conservatory of Music of the Basque Country Musikene, he completed his studies in Holland and New York to move to Madrid and start his professional career there, consolidating an incessant trajectory in many different projects. From the acclaimed The Machetazo, Primital or Griffo, to his participation in Ander Garcia Trio’s album Amahiru, Venga Que Si alongside pianist Luismi Segurado and double bassist Darío Guibert in their project Trezz, and his contribution to double bassist Fran Serrano’s debut album, 0202. Over time, the Guipuzcoan drummer has collaborated with artists such as Jorge Rossy, Perico Sambeat, Mariano Díaz, Julián Maeso, Rachel Therrien, Kukai, Iztiar Yagüe and Greg Izor. An artist whose journey is solidified with the launch of his own trio project, performing in numerous prestigious jazz festivals and clubs, culminating the experience with the release of this first record.

Recorded at Ona Etxea Studios in Arratia by Josué Pascual, *Denbora* (Time) is inspired by the return to Ordizia (Basque Country), his hometown after a long journey around the world. Contemporary jazz with a definitive cosmopolitan and eclectic feel, yet strongly rooted in its origins. Eight original tracks written by Mikel Urretagoiena and a recreation of a song by the renowned Basque singer-songwriter Benito Lertxundi, make up a project designed as a trio formed by the Guipuzcoan pianist and composer Iñigo Ruíz de Gordezuela and bass player from Madrid Dani Pozo. Two other essential figures in the jazz scene. Together along Mikel Urretagoiena on drums, they give this record an organic yet avant-garde and innovative sound, particularly focused on the pursuit of new aesthetic expressions.

Denbora (Time) has a certain introspective character, with the evident intention of capturing the feelings and sensations experienced throughout its author’s journey. It begins by revealing delicate soundscapes through Iñigo Ruíz de Gordezuela piano on Martxan (On the Move) and delights us with the trio’s melody and instrumental evolutions on Kantu hori (That Song). Eclectic and dynamic, Euri dantza (Rain Dance) and Denbora (Time) unfold full of improvisations and polyrhythms. Mikel Urretagoiena continues painting rhythmic landscapes on the majestic Tantanak (Drops) to venture into the delicate passages of Bidaiak (Journeys), paying his unique and original tribute to Benito Lertxundi on Nere herriko neskatxa (The Dear Girl from My Town). The evocative and minimalist Gailurra (Summit, peak, ridge) precedes Bueltan (Returning) beautiful triumphant melodies, ending up this magnificent debut album by Gipuzkoan drummer and composer, Mikel Urretagoiena.”

*Denbora* is the wet earth, the valleys, the mother tongue, the smell of the forests. All the flavors and perfumes that survive during the absence. Mikel Urretagoiena turns the past into the present with a new, experienced, and wise perspective, which exponentially enriches the artist when he returns to his roots.

News