RIO DANUBIO (SK/PE)
Erik Rothenstein – saxophone, Michal Motýľ – bass trombone, Pavol Bereza – guitar, Vlado Máčaj- double bass, Marian Ševčík – drums, Eddy Portella – percussion
The Rio Danubio project carries the latin-jazz spirit combining it with elements of modern jazz. The core of the band´s repertoire is formed by original compositions, topped up by stylish renditions of jazz standards. The music is framed with blues and modal forms with Afro-Cuban rhythmic patterns, catchy tunes with bossa nova rhythmic basis or more complex and structured songs linked to genuine Latin grooves. It feels fresh and features dance sequences here and there, often replaced by expressive solos in turn. In addition to the saxophone, trumpet, guitar or piano, the drums and percussions are also presented not only as accompanying instruments but also as full-blown solo instruments.
The band´s eponymous album was recorded in two recording sessions. The first recording session features a very interesting rhythm section indeed: the Brazilian drummer living in Slovakia André Antunes with the percussionist of Peruvian origin Eddy Portello gave the session a unique atmosphere and a “first hand” Latin groove. The second session combined Slovak jazzmen just with Eddy Portella and the listener can thus compare the two approaches and different sounds of those two sessions. The project Leader Erik Rothenstein brought in perfectly tailored arrangements and also the dramaturgical concept of the album. The title track Rio Danubio, which is dedicated to Paco de Lucia, draws on the concept of harmonic and rhythmic concept of the flamenco rumba. In the reminding tracks we can track down influences of American cool jazz tradition and modal style. The album also features original compositions written by the bass trombonist Michal Motýľ.
Erik Rothenstein (born in Bratislava, Slovakia) is a baritone saxophonist, composer and arranger, fully dedicated to jazz music. He leads his own ensembles and is also featured as a sideman in different formations. After graduating from the Bratislava Conservatory, where he studied alto saxophone, he went on to Graz, Austria, where he began playing baritone saxophone at the music college – Kunst Universität Graz. He devoted himself to composition and arranging as well. As a bandleader he focuses on his quintet, which performs original music stemming from modern mainstream jazz combined with ethnic elements. He also leads the world-ethno formation Duduk Ensemble. He recorded albums Prater Minuet, Erik Rothenstein and the Rainbow Project – In Concert, Fools of Chelm and most recently the Rio Danubio. This last project brings to life a time-proven concept combining jazz and Latin American traditions. It was nominated for the ESPRIT 2014 – Slovak Jazz Award.
