Best of 2017 #32: MAP – “Guerra e Paz” (Porta Jazz)

The magic is in the melody on this excellent set from the MAP quartet of pianist Paulo Gomes, guitarist Miguel Moreira, bassist Miguel Ângelo and drummer Acácio Salero.  The craftsmanship of those melodies is exquisite, but what really elevates their 2017 release Guerra e Paz up a notch or three is how those melodies become launching points to all kinds of improvisation.  Some of those journeys are filled with wild abandon, while others follow a more familiar route of trading solos.  Either way, this is an excellent example of modern jazz done right.  Also, on a personal note, the song “Norte” is one of my top ten favorite songs of 2017.  I can easily envision the Brian Blade Fellowship performing a rendition of it.

Music from Portugal.

Read more about the album on Bird is the Worm.