Born In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pablo Ablanedo is a fine pianist and composer that has come a long way since he discovered his passion for music while still a teenager in high school.A graduate from The Berklee College of Music (major in Jazz Composition, 1996), Ablanedo studied with legendary teacher Herb Pomeroy. A recipient of the "John Dankworth Award in Jazz Composition", Pablo performs regularly with his octet in New York and Boston, where he lives. He also dedicates part of his life to the commendable labour of teaching.Ablanedo was deeply influenced by the music of the masters Astor Piazolla, Egberto Gismonti, Bill Evans and Igor Stravinsky. And it shows. "From Down There" -which takes folklore into the classical world, and vice versa- is the work of an accomplished composer who presents his ideas like a movie that follows an intricate storyline, full of evocative images and scenery. The mixture with modern musical elements -call it jazz- is done in a very imaginative way, displaying extraordinary sensibility that invites to relaxation and thinking -no contradiction between these two apparently juxtaposed human activities. Using an old literary figure, Ablanedo's music is "Food for Thought".Pablo Ablanedo performs his own compositions (except Billy Strayhorn's U.M.M.G.) in this recording. He's joined by an equally talented, diverse and multicultural ensemble (see below). Most of its members -as Ablanedo- belong to a new generation of dedicated musicians coming out of the Berklee College of Music during the last decade.Taken from Latin Jazz Network (www.latinjazznet.com)****************************************PABLO ABLANEDO OCTET 'ALEGRIA' - DOWN BEAT REVIEW 4.5/5 (four-and-a-half stars)"With his latest effort, Argentine pianist/composer Pablo Ablanedo pronounces a sense of joy. In the liners the artist emphasizes that his work, "alludes to the happiness of creation." To that end, Ablanedo and his octet disseminate a set of emotive musings via a Spanish-tinged luster combined with polychordal horn charts and more. He indisputedly conveys a sense of optimism throughout these superbly constructed theme pieces - often complemented with a symphonic edge - and memorably tuneful arrangements. Featuring Taylor Haskins' echo-laden preludes, guitarist Ben Monders' mid-toned lines and the band's gallant rendering of Ablanedo's bravado-style horn charts, 'Alegria' is partly about contrasts. Ablanedo serenades life within these multi-hued works, awash with sultry Mediterranean motifs and fused with elements of tango and stately choruses. Drummer Franco Pinna emulates castanets in support of Haskins' trumpet solo on 'Una Mas,' as the band minces discreet elements of flamenco with modern jazz inclinations. And there lies the beauty of it, as Ablanedo triumphantly bridges the gap between classically oriented austerity, Spanish romance and persuasive, jazz-based ruminations. With La Vida Sigue, the band engages in a contrapuntal-type ostinato vibe interrelated with punctual horn charts and lamentable interludes. Equally important is the leaders incorporation of climactic overtures in concert with bustling jazz grooves and stunningly attractive melodies. In addition, the soloists often engage in chirpy dialogue, amid heated movements and supple flows. With his second release, Ablanedos personalized collaquialisms shine forth in a grand way. "- Glenn Astarita (Down Beat Magazine, September 2003) Read less