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Following our fervent belief that no one can evolve while being wrapped up in themselves and our hopes of crossing the borders and wiping off the limits, Buenos Aires Jazz 2008 summoned some of the best Argentinian musicians to compose and orchestrate brand new pieces to be premiered on this very special occasion.

Mariano Otero makes his way towards tradition, represented by the great Walter Malosetti, his teacher. Guillermo Klein offers a close encounter with folklore by means of Gustavo “Cuchi” Leguizamón’s work. On top of that, Enrique Norris and Pepi Taveira, along with choreographer and dancer Andrea Servera, will be premiering a piece specially composed for dancing.

“In my opinion, Cuchi’s music is deep, passionate, vital. I was introduced to it long ago, through recordings by Manolo Juárez and Chany Suárez, Adriana Barcia, Chango Farías Gómez, Mercedes Sosa. All those powerful songs, with such lyrical melodies and distinctive harmonious twists, and I didn’t know they were his… Cuchi’s… When Adriàn Iaies invited me to prepare a concert inspired by his music, I set about listening to him, thanks to an album he released with Nebbia, I think… And I came across an amazing pianist, wild and meticulous like Monk, elegant and wise like Duke, knowledgeable about artists such as Schoenberg, Satie, Debussy, with a subtle sense of humour and a strong taste of his own land. His voice simultaneously sings and teaches. There are so few recordings of him… I also got in touch with his music through a record by Liliana Herrero and Falú which is delightful. Also on Youtube there’s a punk version of Serenata del 900, and one of La Pomeña by Pedro Aznar. I believe Cuchi is the very essence of folklore, his music dwells in every soul: who doesn’t know his Arenosa? It transcends through his fellow artists’ respect and admiration. As I write, I picture him as a playful god riding a bike. ‘Don’t have it the difficult way’ he says. I wish, Cuchi… agua clara.”

Guillermo Klein
Barcelona, 11 September

“It was some years ago. I was just about to meet him in his own place, where I was to be ‘subtly tested’ –having been recommended by his most important and loyal sideman, Pepi Taveira–, when I found out that my father had taken lessons with him. The ‘test’ consisted in croissants, pastries and a couple of duets I will never forget. That was the beginning of one of the most cherished relationships in my life, and most rewarding in my entire career. My father, like many other men and women of different generations, had been given the gift of jazz by Walter Malosetti himself. To pay homage to him represents to me not only a huge responsibility, but also an opportunity to thank him for his tremendous musicality, his sophistication and romanticism, his swing and his lovely melodies; furthermore, it’s an attempt at giving back some of the love he gives to all of us who have learned so much by his side.”

Mariano Otero

“Ever since I grew interested in African music, quite a long time ago now, I felt the urge of blending my music with dancing. Thus when the opportunity came along, within the framework of the Buenos Aires Festival, I was overjoyed. Music and dance form a unique entity, basic and essential –even when music is not accompanied by dancing, the latter is implicit in the former. This project meant a challenge for me and for Enrique Norris, we have fondly devoted to it and hope the audience enjoys it as much as we do.”

Pepi Taveira

“I enjoy watching dancers performing. I enjoy doing so whenever I can, I take pleasure in becoming acquainted with the countless ways of dancing existing in the world –almost as many as people on the Earth. I find myself simultaneously amused and annoyed by our prejudices against the moving bodies… How was I to miss out then on Pepi’s invitation to do something about it?"

Enrique Norris

“What a pleasant challenge was to set up a choreographic staging for the music of such renowned artists as Pepi, Norris and their musicians. All the same, I cannot deny I was daunted by so much overwhelming, powerful music. Where was dancing to fit? How could I recognise who the characters were, and how their dancing was? Eventually, everything was just there, in the music, and we plunged into the dance experience. Dancing with body and soul.”

Andrea Servera

Programme