Three new releases from Sexmob, Lily Guarneros Maase, and the Ralph Alessi Quartet offer wildly different but equally captivating musical experiences.
On the morning of April 14, we were saddened to learn of the overnight passing of a longtime, integral, and well-loved member of Albuquerque’s musical community, reedman and educator Bob Gusch. Bob played everything from Brazilian choros to straight-ahead jazz and was always up to learn something new. He loved playing music for people, and the feeling was returned. His light will be missed. We send our condolences to Bob’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Below, to introduce him to those who didn’t know him and to enliven the memories of those who did, I’ve posted a profile of Bob that I wrote for Albuquerque The Magazine back in 2018. A memorial will be held on Saturday, May 13, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m., at Holiday Dance Studio, 5200 Eubank Blvd.
“Our sweetest songs are those that tell of the saddest thought,” said Percy Bysshe Shelley. In support of that sentiment, I offer exhibit one: The Price We Pay for Love, the new release from vocalist Julie Christensen, coproduced with bassist Terry Burns, who also contributes string arrangements and orchestral programming.
The urgent angularity of Argentine Emilio Teubal’s Futuro and the lyrical sweep of Eric Reed’s Black, Brown, and Blue offer highly divergent and equally satisfying takes on jazz piano.
On Saturday morning, March 4, at the Cathedral of St. John, Friends of Cathedral Music, under the artistic direction of Canon Dr. Maxine Thévenot (organist), will present “Encountering the Spirit,” an ambitious program capped by the Albuquerque premiere of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize–winning Voiceless Mass, by composer Raven Chacon, a member of the Diné nation who has deep roots in the metro area.
