Ficciones by Aldemar Valentín
From Ficciones' opening title track, Aldemar Valentín's ensemble wastes no time in heading right for the fast lane. On his second outing as leader, the bassist/producer has assembled a tight group, with the intent of performing his compositions in a progressive jazz format. Coproducer L. Raúl Romero lays down impressive guitar work throughout, his chord structures and lead runs blending with Valentín's crisp bass lines for a contemporary fusion sound. "Santurce Triste"—aptly named for a section of San Juan, Puerto Rico—is a display of Valentín's arranging skills. Tenor saxophonist Norberto Ortiz and trumpeter Julito Alvarado deliver commendable performances, fusing with guitar and bass as they each shoot out short solos to present
an aural cityscape ending with the sound of tropical rain. With all the musicians hail from Puerto Rico, it is only fitting to present a Latin jazzflavored number to balance out the record. Recruiting premier percussionist Paoli Mejías and alto phenom Miguel Zenon on "Cacique Rebelde," the group showcases its innate grasp and mastery of complicated tempo changes with ease. This type of multifaceted music can only be performed and recorded after much rehearsal and
meticulous attention to detail. The two remaining songs—"Amistad," and "Saga"—could be a study in composition, arranging, and solo dexterity, all combined with the excellent timekeeping of drummer
Raúl Maldonado, and making for fascinating listening, with a tendency to hang onto every note.
With Ficciones, Valentin—already an acknowledged and respected bassist—can now also be recognized as producer, composer and leader, helping to shape the sound of modern jazz.
By James Nadal, Published: September 21, 2011
Tracklist
| 1. | Ficciones | 9:42 |
| 2. | Santurce Triste | 4:20 |
| 3. | Cacique Rebelde | 7:23 |
| 4. | Amistad | 6:44 |
| 5. | Saga | 4:54 |
Credits
Norberto Ortiz – Tenor Saxophone
Julito Alvarado – Trumpet
Raúl Maldonado – Drums
L. Raúl Romero – Electric Guitar
Miguel Zenón – Alto Saxophone (Guest on "Cacique Rebelde")
Paoli Mejías – Congas (Guest on "Cacique Rebelde")
Aldemar Valentín – Electric Bass
Music by Aldemar Valentín
Recorded from April to June 2011 at Arrakis Productions (San Juan, PR)
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by L. Raúl Romero
Producción Ejecutiva: Aldemar Valentín
© Derechos Reservados
© Copyright - Aldemar Valentín
Para contacto e información adicional:
Email: aldemarvalentin@hotmail.com
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Aldemar Valentín is an electric bass player with a strong interest in improvisation, composition, and cultural fusion. His music draws from jazz, a wide range of Pan-American rhythms, and world music influences. He has released several albums, including Aldemar Valentín (2020), Arrebol (2022), La Torre (2024), and most recently, Insight, released on June 1, 2025.