Music
Press
"an opulent listening experience of modern, orchestral jazz, brimming with passionate improvisations, deliberate contrapuntal melodies and plush harmonies.”
- Downbeat
“another masterwork from Giraudo, an Argentinean bassist living in New York and running one of the most impressive orchestras around . . . It’s often brilliant, and it’s always careful. Highly recommended.” - Descarga.com
"an emotionally charged masterpiece," observing that "Giraudo crafts a beautiful statement, building music that screams with passion, excitement, fear, joy, contemplation, serenity, and so much more in a deeply moving expression of humanity. Memorable melodies and rich harmonies anchor the foundation of Giraudo’s compositions, but there’s a deeper thoughtfulness that flows throughout the work." - Latin Jazz Corner
"El Viaje showcases [Giraudo's] superb command of a large ensemble, as well as his broad emotional palette. Sometimes tender, sometimes brash and always arranged for maximum emotional punch." - Time Out New York
In the Sunday Arts section of the Miami Herald, Fernando Gonzalez picks "El Viaje" among his short list of releases of contemporary Latin jazz: "Exceptional large ensemble mixing jazz, classical music and Argentine tango and folk music." - Miami Herald
“Giraudo's impressions make a solid statement about living and about creative jazz. . . this series of compositions gives jazz fans the world over a chance to celebrate.”
- AllAboutJazz.com
“Arrangements that are harmonically rich, rhythmically challenging and charged with emotion. The group is full of compelling soloists. If Mingus were still around, he’d love this group.”
- Hot House
“Giraudo’s new album, El Viaje, is a stunning example of large ensemble orchestration, proving that in a
remarkably short time, the Argentine has absorbed the wisdom of such hallowed arrangers as Ellington, Gil Evans
and Carla Bley and has staked out his own distinctive identity. The performances of his 12-member group are an
uncommon mixture of orchestral bravado and chamber music-like structure and finesse.” - LatinoMagazine.com
Discography
Pedro Giraudo ‘El Viaje’ (PGM 2009)
Pedro Giraudo 'Desconsuelo' (PGM 2005)
Pedro Giraudo 'Mr Vivo' (PGM 2002)
Pedro Giraudo ‘Destiny of Flowers’ (PGM 2000)
Photos
Bio
Led by Argentine-born bassist/arranger/composer Pedro Giraudo, the 13-piece Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra has captivated listeners around the world with its unique sound built on a foundation of South American grooves, Argentine folk traditions, the passion of tango, and jazz improvisation. Pedro Giraudo, in the tradition of such composers as Duke Ellington and Carla Bley, highlights the unique talents of each band member while masterfully weaving together pre-composed and improvised elements.
The band's 2009 release, "El Viaje" has captured the attention of some of the country's most seasoned music critics, solidifying Giraudo's reputation as one of New York's most creative and daring bandleaders. It swept top honors in 5 categories of the Latin Jazz Corner’s “Best Of The Year Awards*” — and in the Village Voice Jazz Critics Poll 2009, it made the top 10 lists of both George Kanzier (Hot House, All About Jazz-New York, JazzTimes) and Marcela Breton (Jazz Journalists Association).
Peter Watrous, writing in Descarga.com, calls the band “one of the most impressive orchestras around. . . [their] riveting performances are modern jazz and Latin music at its best."
John Murph in Downbeat Magazine calls the music “an opulent listening experience of modern, orchestral jazz, brimming with passionate improvisations, deliberate contrapuntal melodies and plush harmonies.”
Fernando Gonzalez of The Miami Herald picked El Viaje among his short list of releases of contemporary Latin jazz.
All About Jazz-New York selected it among their "Best of 2009 Latin Jazz Releases."
In writing about El Viaje in Latin Jazz Corner, Chip Boaz called it "an emotionally charged masterpiece," observing that "Giraudo crafts a beautiful statement, building music that screams with passion, excitement, fear, joy, contemplation, serenity, and so much more in a deeply moving expression of humanity. Memorable
melodies and rich harmonies anchor the foundation of Giraudo’s compositions, but there’s a deeper thoughtfulness that flows throughout the work."
VIDEO: Video of the Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra performing at the Macau International Festival of Jazz:
OTHER VIDEO: More video is online at YouTube as well as on Artist Website:
Links