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| Fernando Ulibarri releases Transform Taking a new step forward in his musical career, jazz composer and guitar player Fernando Ulibarri has just released the album Transform, with music that he defines as "open to possibilities" and able to reach its full potential through "the talent and creativity of the performers." This is his first recording as leader of his working quartet. Fellow band mates Jim Gasior (piano), Josh Allen (bass), and John Yarling (drums) contribute their unique musical vision to nine original jazz compositions. Following examples of some of his favorite albums, by jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter, Paul Bley, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Fernando described his goal as composing "songs that stand on their own, but also to establish compositional unity throughout the album." The compositions included in the album are Transform-Prelude, The Left Side, Cycle Tune, Paisajes, Maldito Tiempo, Transparent, Transform-Deconstructed, The Fire will Burn Us Both and Spot-On. Fernando is a 34 year-old active performer, composer, and educator based in Miami, Florida. He relocated to Boston from his native Costa Rica in 1998. After obtaining a dual Bachelor's degree in Music Synthesis and Jazz Composition at the Berklee School of Music and working professionally in the New England area, he moved to Miami and graduated with a Masters of Music degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University. He has performed concerts at Carnegie Hall, Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club, Berklee Performance Center, The Bass Museum of Arts and various other venues in the United States and abroad. He has lectured at the Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, and on several occasions has been a clinician for the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Fernando recognized that his bi-cultural background "is an influence in some ways, but it´s certainly not something I've set out to portray consciously" in the album. When writing and performing he is more interested in staying "true to what I'm hearing, staying in the moment, so to speak." In addition to performing guitar and handling the compositional duties, Fernando also mixed and post-produced some tracks, as evidenced on the first cut of the record: Transform – Prelude. The second track, The Left Side, sets up more traditional swing undertones, and fully allows Fernando and keyboard player Jim Gasior to showcase their improvisational abilities. Cycle Tune is accompanied by compelling rhythmic choices from drummer John Yarling, with space afforded right after to bassist Josh Allen. After solos from both Ulibarri and Gasior, the tune reaches a climax with another guitar solo from Fernando. A solo piano feature introduces Paisajes the fourth track of the album. The whole ensemble then presents the main theme of the composition, followed by solos from Gasior and Ulibarri. The moody and introspective Maldito Tiempo begins with Gasior performing a percussive part on a prepared piano, accompanied with bass and drums. Fernando then presents the melody of the composition, and opens the way for further solos from his guitar and the piano. Non-traditional harmonies are in evidence on Transparent, the sixth track. This long-form composition features again solos from the guitar and the piano. Transform – Deconstructed offers another opportunity for Ulibarri to showcase his approach to post-production. The intriguing treatment of the cymbals and piano, as well as unconventional textures developed from the guitar, make this track stand out. The theme The Fire Will Burn Us Both is solemn in nature, almost hymn like, and serves as another great vehicle for Ulibarri and Gasior to fully display their improvisational skills. The record reaches a climax with Spot-On. The last track of the album features exciting solos from both Ulibarri and Gasior (this time on synthesizer), finishing the record with a dialogue between drums and guitar. Fernando is currently a full-time faculty member at Broward College, where he serves as both Assistant Professor of Music and Program Manager of the Music Technology Area, teaching music technology and production classes, as well as ensembles and jazz guitar. He has also been on the faculty at Miami-Dade College and New World School of the Arts, in Miami. The album is available in iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and through his website. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Jazz News :: home page |