Dafnis Prieto: To the Sunset… and Beyond

Dafnis Prieto Big Band: Back to the Sunset

That Dafnis Prieto has undertaken an epic musical voyage is clear from the music on this disc. Back to the Sunset, is the culmination of a journey that looks back from the future. This colourful symphonic fantasy is the realisation of the dreams and aspirations of a drummer who may occupy a seat behind a trap set, but in actual fact belongs everywhere in the orchestra. And magically, Mr Prieto has, in fact, become the orchestra that he animates and in the myriad of stories that are told or, more appropriately-speaking, sung the characters in this moving, passion play change. In some of the lead character is an animated trumpet, or an alto saxophone, a trombone, piano, bass and also, of needs be, a drum.

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There is a mighty dynamic that propels this music throughout. But it is never at the same pace. Nor does the music move in a linear, predictable path. Rather it meanders, leaps in parabolic arcs, travels in profound dreamy movements with grace and power. “Back to the Sunset”, for instance is Mr Prieto’s luxurious chromatically winding ballad featuring the identifiably singular voice of Henry Threadgill on alto saxophone. The stunningly slow piece is highly imaginative and the twisting, ornamented solo melody is evocative of the protagonist exploring the vastness of time and space. Likewise with the scurrying “Una Vez Mas” which announces the big band sound at the very outset as it progresses in a huge orchestral score marked with sensuous melodic inventions that unfold in Brian Lynch’s explosions of dazzling colour.

The same holds true for “Song for Chico”, a song that is dedicated to one of Mr Prieto’s mentors, Chico O’Farrill. Here Steve Coleman casts his gigantic shadow over the piece. In the music of this piece Mr Prieto clearly retains a deep reverence for what most of us still consider the summation and perfection of maestro O’Farrill. Mr Coleman – like the other guest soloists and indeed, all of the members of the big band – show that they have grasped the vision and artistry of Mr Prieto with nuanced perfection. Throughout the music of this recording Mr Prieto, its composer and director, makes musicianship dominate. He taps into the subtle arts of his fellow performers, to create a benchmark recording. The many jewels of this recording are marked by individual performances of enormous skill, as well as grand ensemble choruses the likes of which one will have to walk many miles to discover in their lifetime.

• Artist Profile: Dafnis Prieto
• Dafnis Prieto On “Triangles and Circles”
• Dafnis Prieto Sextet: Triangles and Circles
• A World of Rhythmic Possibilities by Dafnis Prieto

Track list – 1: Una Vez; 2: The Sooner the Better; 3: Out of the Bone; 4: Back to the Sunset; 5: Danzonish Potpourri; 6: Song for Chico; 7: Prelude Para Rosa; 8: Two for One; 9: The Triumphant Journey

Personnel – Mike Rodríguez: trumpet and flugelhorn; Nathan Eklund: trumpet and flugelhorn; Alex Sipiagin: trumpet and flugelhorn; Josh Deutsch: trumpet and flugelhorn; Román Filiú: alto and soprano saxophone, flute and clarinet; Michael Thomas: alto and soprano saxophone, flute and piccolo; Peter Apfelbaum: tenor and soprano saxophone and melodica; Joel Frahm: tenor and soprano saxophone; Chris Cheek: baritone saxophone; Tim Albright: trombone; Alan Ferber: trombone; Jacob Garchik: trombone; Jeff Nelson: bass trombone; Manuel Valera: piano; Ricky Rodríguez: acoustic and electric bass; Roberto Quintero: congas, bongos and percussion; Dafnis Prieto: drums and music director; Brian Lynch: trumpet (1); Henry Threadgill: alto saxophone (4); Steve Coleman: alto saxophone (6)

Released – 2018
Label – Dafnison Music
Runtime – 1:15:34

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