Joan Torres’s All is Fused – Before
by Wilbert Sostre

The name of the group says it all, the music of bassist Joan Torres’s All is Fused contains a perfect fusion of all Torres influences, Jazz, Rock, Bossa Nova, blues and more.

All compositions from the album Before are originals by Joan Torres. This group is also an example of the amazing young talent in the Puerto Rico jazz scene.

The first track, “Doorway” feels like a waltz with elements of jazz fusion. A piece that grows in intensity and reminiscent of the Progressive rock groups of the 70's.

In “Another World”, the melody lines and electric piano gives the piece an out of this world feel. Excellent work by Sergio González on guitar and powerful drums playing by Fernando García.

The music slows down on “Vicissitudes”, a piece with tempo changes between Bossa Nova and straight ahead jazz.

“Disbelief” is a slow “blues” ballad where Joan demonstrates his technique and feeling on bass. Warm sound on sax by Jonathan Suazo with improvisations deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. One can hear Hawkins and Lester Young in Suazo’s playing.

“True” has Samba and other brazilian influences and Suazo’s playing is highlighted on this one also, this time with a sound a la Paul Desmond.

“The Chase” is all Jazz/Rock Fusion, with the characteristic funk groove. “Tragic End” is a ballad with beautiful melodies on piano and a melancholic feel. Gabriel Vicéns, special guest on this one and on “Enlightment”, is another jazz promise from Puerto Rico.

“Enlightment” has touches of fusion, and highlight Suazo’s powerful improvisations on sax and Vicéns flawless melodies on guitar.

Source: Latin Jazz Network