Since 1990, British saxophonist
George Haslam had been traveling regularly to Argentina, performing with local free jazz musicians. In the winter of 2001 he returned the favor by inviting saxophonist Pablo Ledesma and bassist Mono Hurtado over. He formed the
Anglo-Argentine Jazz Quartet (with drummer Paul Hession) and hit the road for a tour of England. Live at the Red Rose documents a concert at the Red Rose Club in London. This is exciting music:
Haslam's fat baritone sax has rarely sounded this luxurious, so he must have enjoyed himself quite a bit (witness his solo in "La Vieja"). The first half of the album is comprised of original compositions by Ledesma and Hurtado, plus arrangements of Argentine folk tunes. Free jazz heads meet South American rhythms in a very nice way. The two influences are perfectly integrated; this is not yet another world music cross-cultural thing. The Argentinean players have been doing this fusion of genres for years and the Brits have caught on with brio. The music swings and dances. The second half is a 30-minute free improvisation by a double quartet with guests
Lol Coxhill (sax),
Elton Dean (sax), John Edwards (bass) and Lukax Santana (percussion) joining the group. This time, it is Ledesma and Hurtado who indulge in the game of typical British free improv. The piece is relentless, overcrowded, exuberant -- and excellent -- unless this kind of power display is not your cup of tea. In any case, you can choose your favorite half. Highly recommended if you like your free jazz soulful. ~ François Couture