Unifying Sounds makes its debut with the release of The Blues Around Us, a remarkable new album by acclaimed pianist Chano Domínguez and avant-garde guitarist Ethan Margolis (aka “Emaginario”). The record is a heartfelt exploration of jazz, blues, and flamenco traditions, brought to life by two artists who believe deeply in the power of music to connect people and transcend boundaries.
Domínguez, a celebrated pianist from Cádiz, Spain with decades of international acclaim—including collaborations with Blue Note Records and Wynton Marsalis—joins forces with Margolis, a Cleveland-born guitarist who spent over a decade living in Spain and immersing himself in flamenco culture. Together, they have crafted an album that bridges continents, traditions, and musical identities.
A Fusion of Styles with Roots in History
The Blues Around Us draws inspiration from jazz-blues legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and Wes Montgomery, while seamlessly incorporating the fiery rhythmic underpinnings of flamenco. Many of the compositions—primarily written by Margolis—feature flamenco-inspired intros that evolve into swinging jazz-blues progressions, offering a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.
Margolis reflects:
“We have both dedicated so much of our lives to the modern exploration of Jazz, Blues and Flamenco music that it was only natural to record an album inspired by these investigations. We believe in the imperfect beauty of humanity and in musical genres that are driven by the spirit, not by finance.”
Domínguez echoes the spirit of discovery:
“Ethan brought a deep mix of Blues styles to my apartment in Brooklyn and we experimented with some 20 styles before deciding what pieces worked best for the album design. I felt energized, like a little kid discovering new music again.”
A World-Class Ensemble
The duo is joined by Carlos Henriquez (bass) and Obed Calvaire (drums), both current members of Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Recorded live as a quartet at Oktaven Studios in New York with legendary engineer James Farber, the album was later mixed by Grammy-winning Dave O’Donnell and mastered by Randy Merrill, ensuring a sound quality that pays homage to the warmth of classic recordings from the Rudy Van Gelder era.
A Celebration of Longevity and Authenticity
The Blues Around Us is not only a fresh creative statement but also a milestone in Domínguez’s career, marking his 50th year as a professional pianist. With a legacy of collaborations across Europe and the U.S., Domínguez continues to be one of the most in-demand musicians of his generation. Margolis, meanwhile, builds on his growing discography, fresh off his 2024 Ropeadope release with Larry Grenadier and Eric Harland.
At its heart, the album speaks to the timeless beauty of music born from dedication, authenticity, and human connection. It’s a powerful reminder that new artistic fruit can blossom from lifetimes of experience and a shared commitment to truth in music.
The Blues Around Us is available now from Unifying Sounds.
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