JOSÉ LUIS FERNÁNDEZ LEDESMA & MARGARITA BOTELLO: LA PACIENCIA DE JOB

Jose Luis Fernandez Ledesma is at the top of the food chain when it comes to Avant-garde music from Mexico. I cannot tell you how talented he is at composing, and playing the many instruments he's mastered. I have five of the ten studio albums he's released, and all are wondrous 4 star recordings that are over my head, but I am fascinated with his music. There's a darkness and mystery about his compositions that might be at it's zenith with this 2006 release.

Chris Cutler the great HENRY COW drummer had this to say about Ledesma's "Sol Centrale" record, and I quote "Densely written, imaginative and beautiful realized with much advanced use of voices, layering of parts and rhythmics juxtaposition, where electronic and acoustic are perfectly mixed. An impressive release." That was for Ledesma's 2000 release "Sol Centrale". This record "La Paciencia De Job" has more in common in my opinion with the 2002 album "Al Filo", and I will list my five favourite albums of his at the end of the review.

First of all the list of instruments that Ledesma plays are as long as my arm. Plus we get nine guests adding various instruments. His musical partner Margarita Botello adds her vocals and keyboards mostly. This is a tough listen just like that record "Al Filo". Experimental soundscapes lead the way, but there's much more to this once you dig deeper. Certainly the short track "No Te Pude Contestar" has a brightness to it that stands out from the other eight tunes.

Still, this is an album that needs my undivided attention in order to appreciate what's going on. This is such a dark recording at times with two of the guests adding bassoon, and Ledesma and Botello both add harmonium. Music like this excites me because there's so much to it beyond the surface. On the other hand it is difficult to digest at times. Very rewarding regardless. Tons of atmosphere as well and at 70 minutes this album requires the patience of Job at times.

I have my five favourite Ledesma cds sitting right here in front of me, and I highly recommend them all. "Motivos Para Perderse", "Sol Centrale", "Al Filo", "Designios" and "La Pacienca De Job". Thanks for all the music Luis! I'm on now to check out another project that he and Margarita are on called SAENA.