Leo Genovese: Estrellero 2

SUNNYSIDE RECORDS 1747 (RELEASED SEPTEMBER 13, 2024)

Three rising stars of the modern jazz piano trio genre are pianist Leo Genovese, bassist Demian Cabaud and drummer Marcos Cavaleiro. So, it is only appropriate that their newest release is titled Estrellero 2, which is Spanish for astrologer. And it is stellar! The trio manages to balance the familiar with fresh on nine originals contributed by members of the group. Genovese’s cascading lines are showcased on his “La Quinta,” a modal piece grounded on a strong and steady bass line from Cabaud. Genovese’s more strident Don Pullen-esque approach is showcased on Cabaud’s “American Despierta.” Cabaud employs a freer approach on his “Paz Na Sira,” a song that has a Paul Bley feel (including a brief reference to Carla Bley’s “Ida Lupino”). There’s a phrase from “The Man I Love” flowing through “Domingo,” a reflective ballad written by Cavaleiro. A lyrical bowed bass solo is perfectly placed in Cabuad’s moody ballad “Cielo Sur.” Genovese and Cavaleiro’s bebop chops get a workout on Genovese’s “Bud’s Rhythm.” Whether they are playing an up-tempo waltz such as “Suspendido”, the noirish “El Alba,” or the rhythmic “Fly Brother” (a Genovese piece dedicated to bassist Juni Booth), the interaction between Genovese, Cabaud and Cavaleiro is equal to the great modern piano trios of Bley-Swallow-Altschul, Corea-Vitous-Haynes or Allen-Haden-Motian. It’s intuitive, imaginative and inspiring. The stars were aligned when Argentinian-born Genovese and Cabaud met up with Portuguese drummer Cavaleiro to record Estrellero 2. I hope this constellation of rising stars will continue to shine in more volumes of Estrerello. Like great astrologer, they discover the possibilities in the infinite sounds of jazz.

BOTTOM LINE: Since recording his first release in 2004, pianist Leo Genovese has worked in various settings and with both acoustic and electronic/digital instruments. Estrellero 2 finds him in his sweet spot — a trio with bassist and long-time collaborator Demian Cabaud and drummer Marcos Cavaleiro. Their music is fresh, familiar and best of all, fantastic.