If there is a common denominator in the main Argentine rock records of the 80s, it is undoubtedly the saxophonist Gonzalo “El Gonzo” Palacioswhich he has recorded with key artists such as Charlie Garcia, stereo soda, Cottage cheese rolls, Virus AND The twists.
He has been living on the island of Menorca for more than 20 years, but he returns periodically to Argentina, and on this occasion he has brought his brand new first solo album, Reliefwho will present this live Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd at the Rondeman Abasto (Lavalle 3177), 8.00 pm
The cover has a very dark mood, unlike the album which has very bright music. But those were pandemic times and the idea was to show a doctor from the times of the Black Death, but with a saxophone case instead of a doctor’s bag. Gonzo worked with the designer Bearded Marmoset and the photographer Andy Chernyavskyboth also in an 80s key, and the sculptress betina sor.
The Gonzos in the 80s
El Gonzo was a founding member of Los Twist and a member of the legendary band Charly García showed up with modern clicks at Luna Park and across the country.
He has also recorded and performed with Soda Stereo (the “sexy sax solo” from jet set and the introduction of I’m bluish), Patricio Rey and Los Redonditos de Ricota (namfrifrufrifalifru AND Some sensible dangers), Virus, Sumo, Andrés Calamaro, Widow and Daughters of Roque Enroll and Celeste Carballo.
Now, however, he’s been encouraged to capture an idea he had a long time ago: record instrumental themes ranging from blues to funk, passing through rhythm and blues, soul and swing. The result is Relief and he succeeds with a great proposition.
A founding decade
-Did you imagine reaching the category of “legend”?
– It doesn’t scare me. For a long time, the 90s and 00s, it felt like the 80s were left behind. And in the last 5-6 years there has been a valorisation of what the 80s were like. It seems good to me because it was the second decade of foundation of Argentine rock, with great composers and extraordinary works where in some specific songs I contributed all my enthusiasm. I must also clarify that there is a part that does not correspond to me, but that I was related to those who are legends.
-How is the panorama of making instrumental music?
-I suppose the secret is to play often, to be in contact with other musicians and with what happens. There is a nice circuit in Buenos Aires of medium sized bars, with 80-100 people, where I see there is a huge demand from people looking for something that is not strictly jazz but instrumental. It’s about being and playing.
-How is that circuit in Spain?
-In the tourist cities of Spain, including islands such as Menorca, there is work for musicians. The hotels have shows every night, for example, and it’s a very decent job. It’s a circuit that I basically live off, with six months of very intense work and then six months for myself.
-How would you describe your current group?
-We are not a group of jazz musicians. We are looking for a direct and clear reading, where are the solos singable and you can hum them. They are short topics and do not look for complications. Basically we all come from rock kidneys, but we’ve evolved and we can play a little bit of everything, but we still play with that energy and that attitude. The band consists of Daniel Castro on bass, Alejandro Ridilenir on guitar and Fernando del Castillo on drums, and Gustavo Ridilenir on flute.
The late solo album
-How did you decide to make your own album right now?
-It’s a project that I had the last time I lived in Argentina, between 1987 and 2002. I had a band to play live, but we never had time to record an album. When I left it was truncated, but a few years ago it made me want to do it again.
First I was going to take a live recording from 2019, from a cycle show jazzology del San Martín, but painted the pandemic and I’m back in March 2020. It’s been so long that we started criticizing it! Eventually we went back to recording almost the same repertoire in the studio.
In 2021 I was here for six months. I got the group back together, we did a series of concerts between February and April. Now we have done some taxi shows and we have the official presentation at the Rondeman on the 21st and 22nd. I was also playing at the Kermesse Redonda.
-Do you still play at Kermesse Redonda?
-When he paints, I go to Kermesse Redonda as a guest, where there are friends like Tito Fargo, Semilla and Sergio Dawi. Whenever there is a chance, they invite me. I have my little place there because there are actually a lot of songs that I originally recorded. I love it, because it’s about reliving those moments, just like people do. The Kermesse has developed the ability to surf the crowd: the core energy is generated by the crowd climbing to the top and playing. It’s great and we all enjoy it.
Source: Clarin
