Rodrigo Domínguez, “(mucho mejor que esta) Pocilga”, from ‘Borocotopo’ (2021): Video premiere

Three of Argentina’s jazz finest are getting together to make music that lives up their well-regarded status in their home country, and deserve wider recognition elsewhere. For his upcoming LP Borocotopo, alto saxophonist Rodrigo Domínguez leads a high-powered trio anchored by the rhythm section of Mariano Otero (bass) and Sergio Verdinelli (drums). Together they run through a set of originals that veers from groove to free-form to modern flavors of jazz, and the Borocotopo trio — sometimes supplemented by a guest musician sitting in — do it all rather well.

In the video up above we’re introducing the lead off tune from Borocotopo, entitled “(mucho mejor que esta) Pocilga”, which translate to “(much better than this) Pigsty.” But don’t mind trying to figure out what that means, because the song itself is a vehicle for the display of talent arrayed here and it’s pretty catchy, too. And for this selection, keyboardist Ernesto Jodos joins in the fun with an indispensable tool for fusion-ish jazz, the trusty ol’ electric piano.

Verdinelli is no joke as a drummer, check that loose ‘n’ steady groove. When they get to the meat of the tune, Domínguez leaps into that pocket and sets up shop inside of it. Otero stays toward the upper end of his register on bass and his clean pulses complement Jodos’ Rhodes. For his part, Jodos gets his own time to shine where he and the drummer are locked into each other.

Borocotopo is going on sale August 27 2021 from ears&eyes Records. Pre-order it now from Bandcamp.


S. Victor Aaron

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