Aldemar Valentin – Nueva Vision When it comes to jazz, the bassist is the one who lays out the structure, anchoring the ensemble, allowing the accompanists to improvise upon melodies and harmonics. Aldemar Valentin is a bassist who not only relishes this role, but is proficiently democratic in his compositions, letting his accompanists soar into their own orbits. “Nueva Vision” is his latest release as leader, his previous being “Ficciones” in 2011. But he has by no means been idle, maintaining an active and productive schedule, which recently situated him in Veracruz, Mexico, where Nueva Vision was recorded. The record consists of five themes, opening with “Prólogo,” a musically complex number that is challenging yet relaxed. It prominently features guitarist Roberto Sánchez Picasso, who depicts deft improvisations throughout the production. “Baile De Nomos,” is an airy composition, where alto saxophonist Arturo Caraza, interplays with the bass and guitar, ending with dramatic drum flairs from Renato Domínguez. “Quimera,” based upon impossible attractions, and sad results, has a melancholy approach to its melody, played with a focused sense of purpose. “Mujer,” is a subdued homage to a love that long ago drifted into the wind, only to reappear in a romantic composition. It is a profound song, with the players weaving an unhurried missive of reminiscence. Closing the set with “Nueva Vision,” the quartet lay out the panorama for reinvention and reawakening. Valentin, as the composer and producer, has set out a new frontier in his musical agenda, and chose his musicians perfectly. Having played with these gentlemen in an extended setting during production, the result is a sophisticated repertoire, performed with an intimate precision that allows for personal interpretation. This is a portrait of an artist is the midst of a regeneration. James Nadal All About Jazz ALBUM CREDITS: Aldemar Valentin-Nueva Visión Release Date: 12/30/2015 © Copyright-Aldemar Valentin (BMI) Produced by Aldemar Valentín Arturo Caraza- saxofón alto Renato Domínguez- batería Roberto Sánchez Picasso- guitarra eléctrica Aldemar Valentín- bajo eléctrico y composiciones. Grabado en Azul Estudios Xalapa, Veracruz, México. (15 de diciembre de 2015) Ingeniero de Grabación: Norberto Cuevas Ingeniero Asistente: Carlos Ruiz Mezcla y Masterización: Norberto Cuevas