Earlier this year, Gilles Peterson‘s new reissue label Arc Records re-released, for the first time, Tino Contreras‘ independent 1978 psych-jazz recording Musica Infinita, introducing the 96-year-old Mexican artist to new generations of listeners. The musical relationship between Gilles, Tino, and musician/record collector Carlos Icaza, who first introduced the two, has continued with Gilles’ other label, Brownswood Recordings, releasing a great new album from the prolific composer and drummer, titled La Noche de los Dioses.

Written and recorded in Mexico City, this album features seven superb new tracks, all in 3/4 rhythms, that blend contemporary jazz melodies and grooves with hypnotic and haunting atmospheric tones, and layered percussion rhythms. I think Gilles was on point with his description of the recording, stating “It captures the nightclubs of Mexico, the blues, the decadence… it’s a sassy subterranean cosmic sound…”

Featuring a number of other great musicians on the session, including Contreras’ son, Valentino Contreras, on bass and Icaza on harmonic arps and pre-Hispanic percussion, the record also includes Jaime Reyes on piano/keyboards, Emmanuel Laboriel on electric guitar, Luis Calatayud on both soprano and tenor saxophone, as well as Conch Shell and Ocarina flutes, Eduardo Flores on bongos, Carlos Icaza on harmonic arps and pre-Hispanic percussion, and Marco Gallegos on acoustic guitar.

Overall, this is truly a brilliant recording that gets even better with each listen. Between the reissue of Musica Infinita and this new album, Tino Contreras will start to receive the global praise that he undoubtedly deserves.

Tino Contreras — ‘La Noche de los Dioses’
(Brownswood Recordings)

1. La Noche De Los Dioses
2. Máscaras Blues
3. Naboró
4. Malinche
5. El Sacrificio
6. Al Amanecer
7. Niña Yahel

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