gerry weil: the message
Francisco Espregueira
Olindo Records launches a sister label named Música Infinita and presents the reissue of The Message by the Venezuelan living legend Gerry Weil, due to drop tomorrow. Originally released in 1971, in the aftermath of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, in an era where acts like Jimmy Hendrix Experience and Tower of Power were creating volatile mixture of jazz improvisation and rock’s youthful energy, The Message didn’t reached great commercial success despite being an ambitious and intense LP that arrived at the height of that movement. Now reissued by the brand new Música Infinita imprint, we have the pleasure to present this overlooked cornerstone of Venezuelan jazz.
Building upon the breakthrough Miles Davis was able to achieve with Bitches Brew in 1969, breaking every pre-conceived notion people had about jazz and music in general, Gerry Weil gathered a dream team of 15 Venezuelan musicians, most of which went on to become renowned bandleaders in their own right, to record an avant-garde album that would later turn into a coveted item amongst record collectors. In The Message his dexterous instrumental skills and bluesy vocals come alive, accompanied by stunning horn arrangements and killer electric guitars that along with a an addicting percussion create an unique afro-caribbean jazz fusion album. Remastered at The Carvery, this vinyl edition of just 500 copies features brand new artwork and an extensive interview with Gerry. The Message is an essential album, 50 years later.
“Arriving in Venezuela from Austria as a 17 year old in 1957, Gerry has become one of the most influential musicians his adopted country has ever seen. His compositions are now part of the repertoire of Venezuelan jazz standards, but perhaps more importantly, Gerry’s career in music education has seen him impart his music theory and piano teachings to at least three generations of musicians. Still active at the age of 81, Gerry is a living legend and a true testament to perseverance through music.”
Personnel
Trumpets: Rafael Velásquez, Luis Arias, Lewis Vargas, José Rodríguez
Trombones: Rodrigo Barboza, Antonio Piñeda
Reeds: Bill Bucci (Soprano & Alto), Ramón Carranza (Alto), Víctor Cuica (Tenor), Benjamín Brea (Barítono)
Electric Guitar: Vinicio Ludovic
Electric Bass: Mickel Berti
Drums: Alberto Naranjo
Conga: Freddy Roldán
Percussion: Alejandro Blanco Uribe
Electric and concert acoustic piano: Gerry Weil