Álvaro Torres Quartet, Tony Malaby, Masa Kamaguchi & Kresten Osgood - Live in Barcelona (2024)

Bringing together Tony Malaby, Kresten Osgood, and Masa Kamaguchi on a stage was something I had been dreaming about for a while.

In August 2023, this quartet performed five concerts in Spain, for which I had prepared diverse tunes: some with a flexible form directed to improvisation, and others more structured. These new compositions have brought me closer to parts of my past that were forgotten and with which I have been reconciling since my arrival to New York.

One aspect is my relationship with classical music. The piece “Echoes” digs into this direction and is dedicated to my former piano teacher Fe del Campo, in gratitude for all the years of caring and believing inme. Another aspect is my interpretation of Spanish folklore, inspired by some flamenco singers, which I humbly try to capture in the piece “Calabosito”.

Tony, Masa, and Kresten have supported this vision, and the dream has traveled much further thanks to them. Their creativity and commitment with music made everything simple. It was just a matter of letting ourselves be carried away as the compositions evolved and took shape night after night.

Thanks to the Mas i Mas Festival for making it possible and to Fresh Sound Records for their support. It has been a gift to bring these idols together and present the music at home. —Álvaro Torres

Personnel
Álvaro Torres (piano), Tony Malaby (tenor sax), Masa Kamaguchi (bass), Kresten Osgood (drums).

Tracklist
01 - The Good Life (Live in Barcelona)
02 - Siresimi (Live in Barcelona)
03 - Calabosito (Live in Barcelona)
04 - Echoes (Live in Barcelona)
05 - You Dig (Live in Barcelona)
06 - Lullaby (Live in Barcelona)