Led by Argentinian guitarist based in Lisbon, Javier Subatin, the core of his band is fellow Portugal-based Argentian bassist Demian Cabaud and drummer Pedro Melo Alves, with guests improvisers on a number of tracks, presenting a series of "Mountain" tracks interspersed with "Rocks", "Birds", "Cave", &c. in impressively advanced use of time, rhythm, structure and harmonics.
Label: Habitable Records Catalog ID: HR002 Squidco Product Code: 31192
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2021 Country: Portugal Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold Recorded at Musiberia Sound Studio,in Serpa, Portugal, by Andre Espada.
"Javier Subatin's laser-accurate guitar drive grounds the interplay on Mountains, a natural world infused spin through the past and future of improvised music. Sidestepping the jazz concept of rhythm-section-with-lead-"voice" the partnership here operates with fluidity- a constant exchange of summit and valley- the listener's attention drawn to multiple complementary synapses climbing together in tandem revelatory invention. Demian Cabaud's double bass and Pedro Melo Alves' drums suffuse Javier's compositions with colorful innovation, restraint, heft, elation...guests (Samuel Gapp, piano; Ricardo Jacinto, cello; Joao Mortagua, alto sax) expand the range cohesive and untethered."-Habitable Records
"Javier Subatin, a versatile Argentinian guitarist based in Lisbon, gathered with fellow countryman bassist Demian Cabaud and Portuguese drummer Pedro Melo Alves for a stimulating new album. Guest performers appear on six of the 12 tracks.
The central pieces on this record - Subatin's Mountain compositions - are interspersed with more abstract collective improvisations that can go from avant-garde settings with constant restless motions ("Birds") and controlled tension ("Shadows") to slightly eerie episodes with a percussive emphasis ("Caves").
The opener, "Mountain#1", is among my favorites, showing the trio in absolute command of multiple meter signatures. Before the final straight-to-the-gut rock muscularity limned by Alves' drum work, there's a strident improvisation by Subatin. He makes an impact by engaging in rhythmic ideas that shifts chromatically.
The polyrhythmic "Mountain#3" brings us discernible, emotionally charged harmonic movements in 13/8 before opting for a symmetric jazz rock groove with hints of funk. This is celebrated by the enthusiastic interplay between Subatin and guest pianist Samuel Gapp.
Also featuring an ostinato-driven passage in 13, "Mountain #5" is atmospherically drafted for freedom but also includes thoroughly composed parts. The tension grows and the peak is reached halfway, during the bandleader's revved-up soloing process. Yet, all ends pacifically with the bowed bass orienting us toward a circular trajectory.
Diversity is an asset here, and if "Mountain#4" blossoms like a folk dance and shows signs of fusion, then "Mountain#2" suggests chamber classical music with appropriate counterpoint, for which much contributes the cellist Ricardo Jacinto. By contrast, "Mountain#6", which starts breezily in seven, features the suppleness of altoist João Mortágua and a solo dissertation by Cabaud in a well-paced ride. As a conclusion, all guests take part in "Solo#5", a melodic and beautifully textured piece with a flowing sense of pop song.
The contemporary aural descriptions of these 'mountains' make us want to climb them to the top. Moreover, the telepathic camaraderie between the musicians is noticeable and the ambitious musical experiment wins."-Filipe Freitas, Jazz Trail