Album Review of
Paquito Libre (feat. Paquito D'Rivera & Darwin Noguera)

Written by Joe Ross
January 17, 2019 - 12:00am EST
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Liner notes emphasize this project as “…vivid yet mysterious, story-swept yet openly improvised soundscapes…” and Volcano Radar is an “explosive, expansive, radiant electro-acoustic ensemble.” The band, co-led by guitarist Julia A. Miller and multi-instrumentalist Elbio Barilari, collaborate with Paquito D’Rivera (clarinet, sax) and Darwin Noguera (organ, piano). The band also includes Rollo Radford (electric bass) and Ernie Adams (drums, percussion). The pieces are fluid, moody, creative, meandering. Arrangements provide haunting passages, melodic interludes for contemplation, and organic undercurrents to tap one’s consciousness. However, one must be in the right frame of mind for this kind of spacey jazz music. On each track, whether it be "East Pole West Pole” or “Afterimages” or “The Quark and the Jaguar,” look for musical conversations that will personally move, inspire or stimulate you. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)