Focusing The Spotlight: Manante on Video

Our current Spotlight Artist, Manante, bring a new perspective onto the world of Afro-Peruvian Jazz with their latest album Para Los Engreidos. They bring the usual mixture of Festejo, Lando, and Vals and combine it with straight-ahead jazz; but there’s an organic and well-conceived edge to their sound. They perform more than simple reharmonizations of traditional Peruvian songs, they use their inner knowledge of these styles to create original compositions around them. There’s an audible influence from 1970s fusion groups, but they take their inspiration from less common pieces of these groups. They avoid the easy integration of synthesizers and loud distorted guitars; instead there’s a study of the song writing techniques and improvisational styles of different personalities. They bring the best qualities of an acoustic jazz trio to the forefront, emphasizing improvisation, interaction, and regularly changing textures. They never sacrifice the intensity and excitement of their core approach though - this is definitely an acoustic jazz trio with an edge. Most importantly, these guys are obviously open to taking risks and trying new things, from free improvisation to wild mixtures of swing and Peruvian music. It’s an exciting and original interpretation of Afro-Peruvian Jazz that adds a new dimension to the style.

The musicians’ individual artistic personalities help bring this concept into reality and form the core of the sound. Pianist Pepe Cespedes guides much of the action with his wide harmonic palette, keen melodic sensibility, and rhythmic momentum. So many influences shine through Cespedes’ playing - there’s a definite sense of Peruvian tradition that can be heard in his phrasing, but it’s peppered with a bluesy edge. It’s obvious that he has checked out modern jazz pianists such as Herbie Hancock and Joe Zawinul, but he’s also maintained a foundation in the harmonic basis of his country’s music. Bassist Noel Marambio brings an assertive edged tone, a rock solid groove, and a wealth of soloing ideas into the group. There’s a strong influence from electric bass great Jaco Pastorious in his playing, but it never overwhelms his personality. His broad stylistic study allows Marambio to weave insightful improvised lines around a variety of genres and consistently maintain a firm foundation. Leonardo “Gigio” Parodi brings a unique approach to the drum kit that integrates traditional kit sounds with the cajon, congas, and various hand percussion. He’s got an amazing textural palette that combines all these instruments in a highly musical way. On top of all that, he applies an incredible virtuosity to these sounds, playing them all simultaneously in an organized, coherent, and very musical way. These three musicians have a lot to offer each other and the result of their collaboration is truly inspiring.

I’ve collected some videos of the trio performing in Peru, giving you a chance to see their applied musicality at work. Check out the bluesy flair that Cespedes applies to the first half of “En La Cuerda Floja;” he plays with the sound of a jazz pianist, but the soul of a Peruvian musician. You’ve got to hear Marambio on “Sin Aliento,” with his Pastorious fueled improvisations and aggressive sound. You can’t miss Parodi’s extended and unaccompanied solo on the second half of “En La Cuerda Floja,” where he plays the drum kit, cajon, and congas with equally impressive dexterity. There’s a lot of depth here, and a totally different side to Afro-Peruvian Jazz. Enjoy!

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Manante Performing “Sin Aliento” from their album Para Los Engreidos