Musical innovation revolves around the way that musicians deal with borders. Some stay within the confines of borders, reconfiguring old material through their unique viewpoint. Others have wider scopes, moving across stylistic genres, techniques, and traditions. These musicians shape combinations of old material into a completely new experience. The result often sets new standards, pushing a genre to the next level of artistic integrity. Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits demolish borders on their album In Case You Missed It, smoothly blending a variety of genres into a vital musical mixture.

Crossing Borders
Marlon Simon’s extended compositions bring together folkloric Cuban rhythms, jazz harmonies, improvisation, and symphonic structures into a unique blend that defies categorization. A call to the Orishas opens “Overture,” leading into a calming exchange between a string quartet and Edward Simon on piano. The strings bring new melodies to the forefront, disappearing as tenor saxophonist Peter Brainin and trumpet player Alex Norris make solo statements directly to the bata. “Un Canto A Ericka” paints a complex picture that truly invokes a personal image. A solemn string introduction moves into a bata driven interchange between tenor sax and trumpet, suddenly breaking into a jazz ballad. Brainin and Norris’ solos dig deeper into the song’s harmony until a call and response interlude brings the piece to a stirring conclusion. The bata drums drive a contemplative feeling underneath “Root Medley” that makes way towards an extended and insightful trumpet solo. Free improvisation evolves into Marlon’s drum solo, displaying a thoughtful sense of creation. Rhythmic strings build into an up-tempo ending, both interesting and danceable. Marlon’s compositional voice unveils a unique artistic vision, blending ideas while maintaining the integrity of several influential traditions.

Pushing Traditional Connections to the Next Level
The group also makes strong connections between jazz and contemporary Latin dance structures. Marlon inserts a songo rhythm beneath Bobby Watson’s “In Case You Missed It,” balancing the dance groove with a swing section at the bridge. Brainin delivers an extended tenor sax solo, shouting with an edgy jazz tone and aggressive melodic sensibility. After the song returns to the melody, Edward’s piano montuno provides the basis for Roberto Quintero’s explosive conga solo. The band pays tribute to the late pianist Hilton Ruiz with his Cha Cha Cha “Home Cooking.” Michael Boone brings an understated intensity to his bluesy bass solo and then the band transitions into swing for Brainin’s Coltane-esqe tenor sax solo. Marlon hints at Cuban Timba with a funky groove on “Pa Los Morillo.” After an extremely catchy melody, Norris, Brainin, and Edward all trade eight measure phrases, playing off each other’s melodicism and creativity. Edward then returns to his danceable montuno, laying the foundation for an exciting drum solo by Marlon. The group understands the importance of the dance tradition, and blends that knowledge with a deep respect for jazz and improvisation.

On several tracks, the band breathes new life into traditional small group latin jazz. The flowing, repeated melody and funky odd time signature on “Passing By” demands attention. Edward utilizes rhythmic tension to build his piano solo into an intense climax, while Marlon contributes a coloristic drum solo. The band plays with a deep sensitivity and strength on the ballad “Huele a Peligro.” Brainin, Edward, and Norris all make personal statements exposing the harmony’s beauty and depth. Marlon displays a vivid creative spirit with his time switching rendition of the well-worn standard “Manicero.” The unique harmonies and rhythmic displacement drive the melody to a completely new plane, while Norris and Edward’s solos walk the line between tradition and avant garde. The ensemble pushes traditional ideas to higher levels, exposing new possibilities for small group Latin Jazz.

Moving Past Borders
Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits create music on In Case You Missed It that reflects a higher understanding of musical borders. Marlon obviously has respect for individual genres; his composition and performance reflect an educated voice, well versed in several streams of music history. At the same time, he approaches the wall between styles fearlessly. He finds beauty in difference and similarities in diverse traditions. Simon and the Nagual Spirits walk this line with a humble reverence, moving towards a plane of understanding and passion that lacks the constriction of boundaries.

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