ALBUM REVIEW: "Between Loves"

By Ron Netsky

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Florencia Gonzalez

"Between Loves"

Zoho Music

Florenciagonzalez.com

"Between Loves," the title of tenor saxophonist Florencia Gonzalez's new the new album, refers to more than romance. Her music reflects both her past, growing up in Uruguay, and her new life in the United States. After studying at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory in Boston, Gonzalez has pursued her musical career in New York City.

It's not surprising to find that Gonazlez, in the past, has orchestrated music for 11- and 20-piece bands. Her arrangements for this superb sextet — Jonathan Powell, trumpet and flugelhorn; Shannon Barnett, trombone; Luis Perdomo, piano; Fernando Huergo, bass and Franco Pinna, drums — reflect a keen knowledge of uncommon voicings. Solos by Gonzalez, Perdomo, Powell, and Barnett are unfailingly wonderful.

In terms of composition, Gonzalez has a range of inspirations, from the paintings of Joan Miro to the music of John Coltrane. The only non-original tune is an arrangement of "Hurry" by Hugo Fattoruso, a Uruguayan composer she greatly admires. "Between Loves" has a third meaning, explored in the tune bearing that name. In a gorgeous musical metaphor, Gonzalez and her band mates explore the infinite and unsettled territory found in the interplay of two chords.