ALEJANDRO HERRERA

Minority Report is Alejandro Herrera's first solo output, released in 2003. Alejandro is a well recognised, professional left-handed bass player here in Argentina, playing with well recognised jazz player from here in pubs, as well as touring through Europe with his fellow Austrian friend saxophone player, Karlheinz Miklin. In his first solo album, he has focused on the funkiest side of the bass, bringing a pretty unique contemporary Jazz Fusion album, however the music itself is not purely funk and not even close, way more elaborated than that. Notable influence is Weather Report (Jaco period), as well as some hints from a native jazz fusion band, Spinetta Jade. The album was recorded in two countries, in Argentina and France, I'll divide my review into two as the following:

Tracks recorded in Argentina(tracks 1-5 and 8): The album starts off with a very abrupt and catchy style, dominated by Alejandro's bass. You also got a very good deal with the sax and trumpet. It's a great opener, not taking the listener's atention off at any moment. Then comes the title track, a softer song, but nonethless keeping the listener's attention with impecable bass playing as well as some groovy hammond ala Jimmy Smith. Follows up 'Mati Smiles', a very gentle jazz song, written by Alejandro dedicated to his son, Matías. The song is in the vein of 'A Remark You Made' by Weather Report, led by a soft fretless and sax. 'Enemy Inside Me' is a breathtaking composition with the killer bass opening, and some very good synths. 'Bluenoter' is in the vein of the opener. With some epic saxophone and flugerhorn. There's some very nice piano playing in the background with a good rhythm set by Oscar Giunta(drums) and José Bale(percussion). 'Fourth Trip' is a mid-paced jazz song, opened with some slap bass guitar, and then again with the sax and trumpet leading the melody. There's also some congas in the rhythm section giving it a quite unique tempo.

Tracks recorded in France(tracks 6 & 7): 'Loneliness' leaves out the catchiness aside, and is headed more to traditional jazz. With slow melodic bass and sax, and with some piano giving the song an even more traditional style. The traditional jazz is gone, and 'Lady of the Bridge' opens with another fantastic bass line. An excellent work from each member, the composition is really good giving some time for each member to shine.

Indeed a fine debut for a very talented bass player. I would recomend this album to those fans of Bill Bruford's Earthworks or Weather Report(Jaco's period). Also highly recomended for those who love albums where the bass is the lead instrument in most ocassions, and gotta to say the playing of this is outstanding.

4 stars, excellent addition to your Jazz/Fusion collection.