Search - Gato Barbieri :: Under Fire

Vintage glimpse of the world class talents of Gato Barbieri

jmotsch1@elp.rr.com | El Paso, Texas U. S. A. | 10/26/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When in 1974, upon my fortunate mentorship in jazz appreciation, I was enlightened by the luxurious and sophisticated works of Gato in this, his album of Under Fire."There" I said to my heart, "was a rare glimpse into the probable future of one mighty jazz titan..." and if today, you allow yourself the indulgence in listening to this rare work, you will no doubt be hardly surprised in the enduring magnificence of Gato Barbieri."

A Latin Jazz Masterpiece

jmotsch1@elp.rr.com | 03/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since 1973, this album has been amazing me. I just listened to it for the first time in several years and I was prompted to see if it was available on CD. The line up of musicians is astounding. Almost all of them were then, or are now household names in the world of jazz, having established careers of their own. On Under Fire, everyone is in top form. The rhythm/ percussion section, consisting of Roy Haynes, James M'tume, Moulay Ali Hafid, Airto and bassist Stanley Clarke, drives - allowing Lonnie Liston Smith and John Abercrombie to paint an exotic, tropical backdrop for Barbieri's intense alto. Passion drips like sweat from his horn and infuses the band with a contagious spirit that is at once intense and sensitive. El Parana moves with a frightening power. Yo Le Canto A La Luna and Antonico rank as two of the most sensuous pieces of music ever created. If this music doesn't get your emotions flowing, you're probably dead. It's simply a Latin jazz masterpiece."

"Under Fire" is Hot

michael johnson | mill valley, ca | 02/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This re-release of Gato's early 70's "Under Fire" takes us back to an intense era in Latin American history and the music here reflects the time. The theme is Brazil with each cut representing a different section of that diverse and energy charged country. With the opening piece, "El Parana" one can almost feel the humid intensity of a jungle river, crawling with life, beauty, danger - Gato's deep alto rhythms are richly displayed here through long notes that tear at one's emotional control - you feel as though you're stuggling to fight off crying at one moment, laughing the laugh of youth the next. The complexity reaches its climax with the last cut, "El Sertao". With a steady bass undertow you are drawn into the deeper regions of reflection by Gato's brilliant alternation from low to high tones; seductive whispers and passionate wails reflect the surreal landscape of this beautifully desolate area of Northern Brazil - the beat that of the intensity of life - a Latin intensity - at once alluring and terrifying. "Under Fire" is truly hot. It is a felt experience of sound and life - visceral in affect - a truly sublime piece of art - enjoy!"