Album Review: Cambio from Neff Irizarry

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Album:  Cambio
Artist:  Neff Irizarry
Label:  Blue Canoe Records
Website:  https://neffirizarry.com

An exploration of textures and rhythms, guitarist-composer Neff Irizarry features these two facets openly throughout his 2024 recording Cambio, making for soundscapes that mobilize the listener's mind and perception.  Influences of classical and improvisational training are prevalent in Irizarry's delivery while he is accompanied by bassist Jimmy Haslip, vibraphonist Martin Fabricius, and percussionist Ricardo Padilla.  Produced by Jimmy Haslip, Irizarry offers an assortment of original works that fuses world music with improvisational jazz and classic Latin rhythms.

The recording jumps off with a celebratory mood, shaped by a flutter of animated shimmies filamenting "Adelante (Come Forward)," then change course through "Cuatro Minutos (Four Minutes)," laden in the lowlit sparkles of Fabricius's vibes.  The rhythm section threaded by Haslip and Padilla not only play a significant role in supporting Irizarry's improvisations but also engage in freelance riffing, elevating the mood with refined aerials and doodles that pop out at the listener.  The music is an interactive experience, enticing the listener to join the activity mentally and sensorially.

"The Rain Song" bolsters an introspective ambience with melodic progressions that are smooth and tranquilizing, transitioning to a light and bubbly atmosphere along "El Swing de la Finca (Farm Swing)," leaving a cheerful impression on the listener.  The cushiony texture of the soundscapes flittering across "Lluvia (Rain)" are ignited by soft and frothy percussive beats sprinkled in glittering vibes.  The recording travels into a percolating rustle along "Vitamin R" as percussion and vibes intertwine, activating one another while Irizarry's guitar embellishments magnify the upbeat ether.

Irizarry's release highlights the union of guitar and vibraphone, demonstrating a complementing fusion that tethers an indelibly positive impression on the listener.  A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Irizarry has over 28 years of experience as a recording and performing artist, evidenced in his offering.

Musicians:
Neff Irizarry - guitar and compositions
Jimmy Haslip - bass
Martin Fabricius - vibraphones
Ricardo Padilla - percussion

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