RAFAEL ENCISO

CROSSFADE

Conagious Music

Rafael Enciso, bass/composer; Gabriel Chakarji, piano; Miguel Russell, drums; Nicola Caminiti, alto saxophone; GUESTS: Dayna Stephens, tenor saxophone/producer; Jahari Stampley, organ.

This debut album by Rafael Enciso has been produced by saxophonist Dayna Stephens. Enciso was raised around Ithaca, New York, a place of nature habitats and natural beauty. The title of his album (Crossfade) represents the way nature’s seasons melt and fade into each other so seamlessly. This is the way he wanted these original compositions to crossfade into each other, one sound dissolving naturally into the next. Rafael wanted his music to exist in that “in-between space.”

His first original composition is titled, “The High Priestess” and features Miguel Russell’s bright and beautiful drum skills pushing the music ahead with creative energy.  The arrangement arrives with Enciso’s bass setting the tempo using one note. The rhythm section enters with harmonic chords and a steady groove.  Gabriel Chakarji’s piano soaks up the spotlight with an innovative solo.  The music is quite modern.  I found the saxophone of Nicola Caminiti to be captivating and imaginative.

I find myself intrigued by the compositions of Rafael Enciso.  His music is full of surprises.  “Austin Otto” is a tune he wrote that punctuates the melodic structure with staccato notes and unexpected breaks.  Russell’s drums skip along, like a carefree boy bouncing his basketball down the street. The drummer’s follow-up solo is dynamic. This time Dayna Stephens is featured on tenor saxophone.  Dayna also produced this awesome album. Rafael’s original tune builds and breathes fire across my listening room.

The poignant title “Thousand Yard Stare” is a lovely ballad that Rafael Enciso has written.  Nicola Caminiti delivers a stunning melodic saxophone solo, singing atop the solid bass line of Enciso, who also offers a noteworthy solo during this arrangement. Also, during this presentation guest artist Jahari Stampley adds organ to the mix.

Here is a debut album that presents ten original compositions by Rafael Encisco, along with very creative arrangements performed by his talented quartet and two guest artists. I look forward to hearing much more from this talented bassist and composer.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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