Tomajazz – Carlos Lara

“A pleasant surprise, Converses, the first project by El Colectivo, name of the trio formed by pianist Elisabet Raspall, double bass player Jordi Mestres, and drummer Ramiro Rosa. The album is made up of original compositions by the three musicians, four by Raspall, others by Mestres and one by Argentinian Ramiro Rosa. The pianist from Barcelona has commented that the idea of the trio was to make a fusion of the styles of the three members and present their original compositions. “We ended up with a very homogeneous sound”, she said. Certainly, the trio performs with a great versatility and elegance that makes it patently clear how committed the three are to creating compact and pleasant music.

The ten songs that comprise Converses move along a line of clear gentleness without being strident, with crystalline phrases played by Elisabet Raspall, drumming that supports the trio without rushing, and a double bass that knows when to mark the accent. The album opens with “Projecte # 5” and “The Party is Here”, two fresh pieces that demonstrate the great harmony felt throughout this journey. The work can be listened to like one who, riding in a boat, contemplates the coast in the distance and enjoys the tranquility of the water.

The majority of the songs, like “Un Par de Zapatitos Rojos” by Ramiro Rosa, transmit a clear lyricism that sometimes verges on the melancholic. “A Mansalva”, “Nonom”, and “Adéu Ibiza” demonstrate that Elisabet Raspall has become a great improviser. Opting for certain introspective landscapes, Converses is work that invites reflection and living a peaceful life.”