Guitarist Ethan Margolis, known by his stage name Emaginario, exemplifies an artist deeply committed to authentic cross-cultural musical dialogue. His compositions reflect a profound understanding of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Roma (Gitano) stylings, cultivated over a 24-year mentorship within Spain’s Roma community. This journey has led him to develop a modal harmony approach, fostering an open, creative interplay between guitar and drums.
Margolis's distinctive style is showcased in his album, Interlude of the Duende, released via Ropeadope Records. The album features a trio format with jazz luminaries Larry Grenadier on upright bass and Eric Harland on drums. The term "duende," often associated with a heightened state of emotional expression in Spanish music, aptly captures the album's essence—an improvisational, stream-of-consciousness exploration where Margolis's guitar dialogues with Harland's tribal percussion and Grenadier's subtle bass lines.
Initially composed with a vision for congas, bongos, batá drums, claps, and shakers, Margolis adapted these ideas for the trio setting. He notes, “Eric Harland and Larry Grenadier worked hard with me to harness the ceremonial essence of the album and of the sketch-like compositions.” The result is a unique sound that emphasizes an open and free listening environment over grandiose compositions.
Grenadier's contribution is particularly noteworthy. Margolis describes his playing as "masterful accompanist-mentality," staying naturally "out of the way" of the guitar while maintaining the groove. Tracks like “Solace and Descent” and “A Beating Heart” highlight Grenadier's ability to complement Margolis's guitar work seamlessly.
The album's production emphasizes clarity and space, allowing the acoustic guitar to shine. Margolis's sensitivity to frequency clashes between acoustic guitars, cymbals, and upright basses informed his deliberate choices in tunings and keys. He aimed to highlight the acoustic guitar as a world jazz instrument, balancing fingerstyle and picking techniques to create a distinctive sound.
Interlude of the Duende is a continuation of Margolis's exploration of diverse musical traditions. His previous works include the 2014 world jazz album Soleángeles, the 2015 flamenco-Delta blues fusion Sonikete Blues, and the 2023 vocal-centric Songs of Mind, which earned critical acclaim from JAZZIZ and Goldmine magazine. Margolis's ability to blend genres and cultures reflects his ongoing journey to redefine musical identities.
With Interlude of the Duende, Emaginario invites listeners into a space where music transcends boundaries, offering a rich tapestry of sound that reflects his deep cultural connections and artistic evolution.
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