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  | XAVI REIJA ~ NU BREED
MOONJUNE 148 (Barcode: 692287914820) ~ SPAIN ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 2025 Released: 2026
This is the 4th album by Spanish drummer / composer Xavi ReijaFind albums by this artist, recorded with his Electric QuintetFind albums by this artist, which also includes Serbian guitarist Dusan JevtovicFind albums by this artist and Spanish saxophonist Rafael GarcesFind albums by this artist, pianist Tomas FoschFind albums by this artist and bass guitarist Bernat HernandezFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, six of which are original compositions by Reija, one is composed by Jevtovic and finally one is co-composed by them both.
The music is pretty standard contemporary Fusion, mostly up tempo, with solid melodic themes, which are forgettable, but offer excellent basis for the extended improvisations by quintet members, all of which are of course well trained and experienced musicians. The leader is an interesting drummer with a characteristic rhythm signature, and Jevtovic, who seems to be the most ambitious and inventive musician in this lineup, adds some great riffs. The sound is dominated by the bass guitar, which is high up in the mix, and as a result creates a bit muddy sound to the whole aural experience, assumably intentionally.
Overall, although the album is full of stimulating instrumental performances, the result is akin to endless similar efforts, proving that contemporary Fusion is sadly a stagnant genre, which copies patterns established in the mid-1970s, and is stuck there hopelessly. Of course Fusion diehard fans should enjoy this album without any reservations, as it certainly stays within the expected milieu.
| | Updated: 04/05/2026Posted: 04/05/2026 | CD 1 Digisleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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