Audio Review: Freedom by Javier Nero
Freedom (2020)
Outside in Music
Javier Nero – Trombone, Vocals
Tom Kelley – Alto/Soprano Saxophone, Flute (except 6)
Jean Caze – Trumpet/Flugelhorn (except 1, 5, 6)
Melvin Butler – Tenor/Soprano Saxophone (except 6)
Tal Cohen – Piano (except 6, 8, 10, 11)
Dion Kerr – Acoustic and Electric Bass (except 6)
Aaron Kimmel – Drum Set (except 6)
Special Guests:
Brian Lynch – Trumpet/Flugelhorn (1, 5)
Shelly Berg – Piano (6, 8, 11)
Russ Spiegel-Guitar (2, 5, 11)
Kyle Athayde – Vibraphone (2, 5, 8)
Lauren Desberg – Vocals/Background Vocals (3, 4, 5, 8, 11)
Murphy Aucamp – Percussion (2, 5, 8)
“All music, but particularly jazz is the ultimate example of the beauty that can be created by learning from and appreciating disparate cultures. Jazz is the ultimate expression of freedom.” These words in musical form ring true throughout Freedom, the debut album of jazz trombonist Javier Nero.
A graduate of The Juilliard School and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Nero has spent valuable time during his rising career in learning how to bring his own identity to a vast array of musical styles. Right from the first track, Nero’s septet kicks the album into full gear with high energy that showcases special guest trumpeter, Brian Lynch. Shifting gears, Nero brings a distilled flair to the second track, “Cachaça” that utilizes the trombone’s range through his use of the F-valve, an uncommon addition for jazz trombonists, but one that convincingly should be incorporated more often.
As the album continues, Nero engages a somber mood of resentment through the words and music of “I Tried So Hard” featuring the vocals of Lauren Desberg. Part 1 allows the anger and pain to sit and breathe as multiple solos play throughout. Part 2 of “I Tried So Hard” describes the opportunity to move forward from the experience in a positive, yet reflective way. As the fifth track on the album picks up the mood of the album, “Crystal Lake” envisions a lake near Miami, Florida, creating sunny skies and vibe melodies.
In what could be one of the most heartfelt tracks on the album, Nero, accompanied by pianist Shelly Berg, gives a soulful delivery of “Just Let Go” that speaks truly from the heart, through the instrument, and may even bring a little mist to the eyes. Vocals, strong melodies, and head-bopping grooves are incorporated through the next tracks of “Reality,” “Discord,” and “Midnight Groove.” Nero then shows a real strength in writing as “Freedom,” the title track, is introduced with a powerful anthem in chorale-like harmony. As the body of the tune begins in the triple beat, one can hear as if Nero is providing a soundtrack to the words of “This is me, this is who I am. And this is Freedom.” If the album ended there, happiness would be achieved. But as leaving the club with a tune in the head can be a good thing, Nero finishes this debut album with a chilled, enjoyable tune in “Jam #2 in C# Minor.”
Nero’s first album introduces the world to his music, thoughts, and styles that make him an up-and-coming artist in Jazz today. His use of harmony is on-point while still embodying a beautiful and stirring melody. By pulling together a talented group of artists, one hopes to hear more of Nero’s unique voice in many albums to come.
Tracklist:
1. Double Vision
2. Cachaca
3. I Tried So Hard Part 1
4. I Tried So Hard Part 2
5. Crystal Lake
6. Just Let Go
7. Reality
8. Discord
9. Midnight Groove
10. Freedom Intro
11. Freedom
12. Jam #2 in C# Minor
Click here to purchase the album.
Click here to learn more about the album.
Click here to learn more about Javier Nero.
