Matthew Golombisky’s Cuentos represent the compositional culmination of his experiences living in cities throughout the world. His experiences of the musical and cultural environments of each city awaken different directions for inspiration to be opened and explored as short stories in the form of simplistic soundscapes. These Cuentos (the Spanish word for ‘short stories’) are an ongoing project in which Golombisky works with close musical cohorts from each city to convey the stories of a unique musical geography. The first release (September 2017) showcased in-depth explorations of musical friendships developed in both Oakland (Volume 1), where he lived for one year, and Chicago (Volume 2) where he lived for more than three years.
In this third volume, he has returned to Chicago to work with a longtime collaborator, drummer Quin Kirchner, which marks the first volume with drum set. Quin and Matthew have been working together in various groups, ranging from rock/pop to straight-ahead, chamber, electro and free jazz formats since meeting in New Orleans 17 years ago. After working together for several years in New Orleans and after the devastating Hurricane Katrina, they were able to continue their work together in Chicago until Golombisky moved to Buenos Aires after stints in Rochester NY and Oakland CA. They continue their music with free jazz trio Pedway (with Caroline Davis) and the occasionally re-emergence of Golombisky’s Tomorrow Music Orchestra.
Each of the Cuentos is concise, intentional aural plots utilizing a group of trusted musicians. The compositional structures are meant to be simple, and showcase the improvisational precision (not virtuosity) of each performer, conveying a modest concept with fluidity, clarity, and focus. (Usually,) even the lengths of the pieces represent a conceptual modesty. Most pieces range from three to six minutes in length; single ideas presented, explored, and left to the listener for reflection. The Cuentos are here and gone before a single musician is able to explore every possibility of the story. The mood of each piece can vary, but usually remains with one singular musical gesture, goal, or feel. In this way, they humbly encourage that the music stays within the realm of a short story format, and doesn't develop into a full novel (so to speak).
James Davis - trumpet
Dustin Laurenzi - tenor sax
Naomi Moon Siegel - trombone
Matthew Golombisky - bass
Quin Kirchner - drums
1.Cuento #13
2.Cuento #14
3.Cuento #15
4.Cuento #16
5.Cuento #17
6.Cuento #18
7.Cuento #1 (V3 bonus)
8.Cuento #5 (V3 bonus)
Recorded by Nick Broste at Constellation in Chicago IL, USA
Mixed and mastered by Florencio Justo at Estudio Doctor F. in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Album concept/design by Matthew Golombisky
Original art by Isabella Golombisky
