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  | GATO BARBIERI ~ EL PAMPERO
BGP 283 (Barcode: 029667528320) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of a live album by Argentinean saxophonist / composer Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist, recorded on June 18, 1971 at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, during a night dedicated to the American Flying DutchmanFind albums on this label label, owned by the legendary producer Bob ThieleFind albums by this artist, which had Barbieri in their roster at the time and released several of his sensational early albums. The music was recorded in a sextet lineup, with American pianist Lonnie Liston SmithFind albums by this artist, bass guitarist Chuck RaineyFind albums by this artist, drummer Pretty PurdieFind albums by this artist, conga player Sonny MorganFind albums by this artist and the great Brazilian percussionist Nana VasconcelosFind albums by this artist. The album presents just four lengthy tracks, one of which is an original composition by Barbieri, one is by Carlos GardelFind albums by this artist and two are by other South American composers.
The music is a brilliant example of Barbieri’s exceptional improvisational hurricane like power, which literally seems to be able to blow everything off the stage. The orgy of sound produced by his instrument and his lungs sounds superhuman at its peak, but of course he could be also brilliantly lyrical and heartbreaking, like in his sublime soundtrack to the sensational movie “Last Tango In ParisFind albums with this title” from 1972. The intensity of his playing can be only compared to John ColtraneFind albums by this artist Free Jazz recordings, but of course Barbieri’s playing always includes a distinct melodic element.
Overall, this is one of the most expressive live Jazz albums ever recorded and a great tribute to the superb Barbieri’s talent and exceptional recording legacy, which deserves to be remembered and still deeply moves me every time I hear it. A timeless Masterpiece!
| | Updated: 03/07/2026Posted: 03/07/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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