Madrid-based saxophonist-composer and martial artist Álvaro Pérez's long-awaited debut solo album, "For Three Altos," represents a profound and mature expedition into the depths of his musical brilliance. In each composition, Pérez employs three recorded tracks featuring himself on the alto saxophone, naturally infusing the music with an authentic sensibility shaped by the rich traditions of contemporary European classical music and chamber jazz. Throughout this musical journey, Pérez, also a triple national Kung Fu champion of Spain, embarks on an extensive exploration of compositional and improvisatory principles and strategies inspired by his martial arts praxis with a prominent focus on the art of three-part counterpoint as a particularly exceptional facet of his exploration. The ultimate result of this endeavor is a captivating ride that thoroughly entrances the audience from beginning to end, leaving room for nothing but sheer fascination. The album's standout feature is Álvaro’s extraordinary ability to generate and interlace an extensive array of continually evolving motifs within his compositions. In "For Three Altos,” Álvaro Pérez demonstrates an astounding aptitude for elevating and broadening the scope of saxophone-centered music, all the while pushing the conventional limits found within the realms of both jazz and classical music. His talent has culminated in the creation of a musical masterpiece that, in our opinion, is primed to make a lasting impression on the lineage of saxophone repertoire, contemporary composition and chamber jazz. The eager anticipation that preceded the album has unquestionably been validated, and the patience exercised in awaiting its arrival has been definitely rewarded. What a remarkable debut! - Iluso Records, September 2023. Álvaro Pérez: alto saxophone, compositions, and recording [March 2022 in Madrid] Mixed/Mastered by Álvaro Domene at Singularity Studio [Kingston, New York] Cover art by Ed Keller
