Personnel:
David Mitchell (g), Ignasi Terraza (p), Ralph Lalama (ts), Jim Leff (tb), Nono Fernández (b), Pau Bombardó (d)
Reference: FSNT-005
Bar code: 8427328420051
The Mitchell-Terraza Quartet was created at the end of 1990, after a musical get-together of pianist Ignasi Terraza’s trio (which had been working for some years), and North-American guitarist Dave Mitchell, who at the time had just arrived in Barcelona. In their music, there prevails, as a fundamental and essential ingredient, the search for an individual acoustic sound from the instruments, the importance of swing and a feeling for the blues.
At the end of 1991 the group was awarded first prize at the Getxo Jazz Festival (in the Basque region of Spain), which allowed them to publish their first album to a warm reception by the critics. From that point onwards, the quartet has constantly been active in clubs, at concerts and jazz festivals, appearing on radio and television as well. Over two years, this stable quartet, which includes Dave Mitchell (guitar), Ignasi Terraza (piano), Pau Bombardo (drums) and Nono Fernandez (bass), has made many noteworthy collaborations, and this album is an excellent example, with the presence of saxophonist Ralph Lalama and trombonist Jim Leff.
When Mitchell was living in New York he was part of organist Jack McDuff’s band, and since arriving in Europe he has done a tour with trumpet stylist Tom Harrell that resulted in a recording to be released on this label.
Ignasi Terraza trained at the Upper Music Conservatory of Barcelona and has a profound knowledge of the piano’s place in the jazz tradition, from early ragtime up until the music of today. He has played with trumpeter Ted Curson, tenor saxophonists Spike Robinson and Art Themen, and drummer Walter Perkins among others.
Paul Bombardo is currently dividing his time between Barcelona and New York, where he is broadening his knowledge at the hands of musicians of the caliber of Kenny Washington and Keith Copeland, and performing now and again in the clubs of the Big Apple. During his career, he has played with important keyboard artists including Sir Charles Thompson, Lou Bennett and Ellyn Rucker.
Nono Fernandez has worked in Tete Montoliu’s Trio (with Idris Muhamed on drums), as well as with trumpet and cornet specialist Bill Berry.
Ralph Lalama is particularly known for his work with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, and can be heard playing with musicians of the stature of Kenny Barron, Barry Harris and Tom Harrell, with whom he recorded two albums under his own name.
Jim Leff, who has a great deal of experience as a player—noteworthy is his time with the big band of Illinois Jacquet—has also played with Cecil Payne, Sahib Shihab and Major Holley, among others.
