Masayasu Tzboguchi - "Vigorous" (Body Electric) 2005

Masayasu Tzboguchi—Keyboards
Yosvany Terry Cabrera—Saxophones
Michael Rodriguez—Trumpet
Charles Flores—Electric Bass
Pedro Martinez—Percussion
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez—Drums     

Keyboardist Tzboguchi clearly has an addiction to Weather Report, but that is a very good thing. His long list of keyboards echoes Joe Zawinul's, and at times, his way of playing them does too. However, once Tzboguchi establishes his own unique style, he is far from being derivative.

Instead, he has found an impressive way of sounding like himself, even while paying homage to what was called by Down Beat magazine, in a bit of exaggeration, "the best jazz band ever." Tzboguchi obviously loves the way this "fusion" (for lack of a better word) music is put together. But after listening to these strong tunes, the need for comparison with the past simply drops away.

"African Eagle," the opening tune, comes out swinging hard. This tough, full-bodied electric sound features a nice tension between the keyboard sounds, that seem to just float in the air like beautiful clouds, and the sharp, well-placed sax notes. The layers of sounds shift back and forth across each other, but never pile up or get in each other's way. The sound is thick and rich overall, though each instrument is clean and distinct.

"Southern Cross" is a jumpy, lively tune that dances to a New Orleans rhythm. The rhythmic complexity of the band stands out here, with Martinez and Hernandez working their Afro-Cuban magic on percussion. Other than this one, the songs all have a serious tone and weighty feel. There is no wasted space here, or on any tune.

"Nostalgica" forms itself around a thick bass line that is strong enough to hold the intensity of the other instruments tightly together. The top line is stunning, with trumpet adding a high upper end that opens up the middle for nimble keyboard work. This is a  complex composition, but one that flows effortlessly, grooving and grinding, spiraling and spinning, in all directions at once it seems.

The CD, which sadly clocks in at a too short 46 minutes, ends with a tour-de-force. "Pastel Yogurt" begins with a funky intro vamp before bursting into a wide-open frame that opens room for diverse sounds, muscular rhythms and lots of hard jamming. Hopefully, this CD was just the first stage. So much more seems ready to come pouring out from this vibrant band that confidently works a rich musical area.