mario pavone's arc quartet at cornelia st. cafe - nyc, nov 7
- photography by Clara Pereira / text by Filipe Freitas
As an avid enthusiast of Mario Pavone’s creative albums, I was glad to be seated in the first row where I could see him playing right next to me.
Always adventurous in tempo and demanding in regard to structure and interaction, Mr. Pavone is a respected leader. Forming the rhythm section with the consistent drummer, Devin Gray, he generated lots of space for stupendous improvisations commanded by the virtuous multi-reedist Oscar Noriega and the unpredictable trumpeter Dave Ballou.
The ARC quartet performed originals from the veteran bassist resorting to highly sturdy rhythmic grids, a gutsy interplay between the reeds, and a constant search for something new that never allowed us to relax on our seats.
Intoxicating!