Record Reviews

GATO BARBIERI ~ FENIX BMG 743218514821 (Barcode: 743218514821) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001 This is a reissue / remaster of the 3rd album by Argentinean Jazz saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist, originally released on the legendary Flying DutchmanFind albums on this label label and produced by Bob ThieleFind albums by this artist, who was the label’s owner. The album was recorded by a sensational team of American Jazz musicians, which included pianist Lonnie Liston SmithFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist, drummer Lenny WhiteFind albums by this artist, percussionist Gene GoldenFind albums by this artist and Brazilian percussionist Nana VasconcelosFind albums by this artist. Guitarist Joe BeckFind albums by this artist plays on one track. The album presents six tracks, one of which is an original composition by Barbieri and the rest are by Argentinean Pop / Folk composers. By the time this album was recorded, Barbieri managed to fully develop his unique style, which perfectly combined Jazz improvisation with the spirit of South American music. He was an incredible virtuoso and his brilliant fluency was truly magical and mesmerizing. As a result, he created a long series of brilliant albums, which to this day are absolutely stunning. Barbieri, strongly influenced by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, developed a unique “wall of sound” effect, which presented him wailing with a terrific intensity, but supported in the background by Latin rhythms and often retaining a clear melodic contents, including his obvious affinity to the Argentinean Tango. Overall, this is a classic example of early Jazz-World Fusion, played by the best musicians at the time and fronted by Barbieri’s intense improvisations, which remain completely relevant well over five decades later. A music in every serious Jazz record collection.

Updated: 09/06/2025Posted: 09/06/2025

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GATO BARBIERI ~ THE THIRD WORLD SONY 25758 (Barcode: 743212575828) ~ ARGENTINA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1969 Released: 2009 This is an absolutely stunning early album by Argentinean Jazz saxophonist / composer Gato BarbieriFind albums by this artist. Barbieri left his homeland in 1962, settling first in Europe, where he worked with local as well as American musicians, who resided in Europe due to a much more open and receptive cultural climate there. Barbieri also worked closely with movie directors composing scores for several films. In 1968 he recorded finally his first album as a leader, called "In Search Of The MysteryFind albums with this title", released by the legendary ESPFind albums on this label label in NY. A year later he recorded this album, which was released on no less legendary Flying DutchmanFind albums on this label label, founded and initially owned by the great producer Bob ThieleFind albums by this artist, which released some of the most impressive, interesting and revolutionary Jazz music in the late 1960s and early 1970s by artists from many corners of the world, who could not find a label to release their music on. The lineup if extremely impressive and includes bassist Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist, pianist Lonnie Liston SmithFind albums by this artist, drummer Beaver HarrisFind albums by this artist, trombonist Roswell RuddFind albums by this artist and percussionist Richard LandrumFind albums by this artist. The music is one of the earliest examples of World Music influenced Jazz, with Barbieri incorporating his unique amalgam of South American melody lines and rhythmic approach, all originating from his native Argentina (yes, the Tango), Brazil and other sources. All these elements are presented in a Free Jazz framework, where collective improvisation is the dominant means of expression. Barbieri´s brilliant playing is the focal point of course, with his extended surges of tenor saxophone fluctuating with seemingly endless energy and passion. Obviously strongly influenced by John Coltrane, Barbieri produces a "total" wall of sound, which requires the listener to open up completely and absorb the influx of many parallel sources of sound and create his own impressions. Of course this all makes perfect sense, once properly grasped and turns out to be truly prophetic music. Barbieri´s later recordings would become somewhat less intensive and he would return to melody as well, but his brilliant playing would always be a beacon of total dedication and an example of masterly and brilliantly executed music. Absolutely stunning stuff!

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