David Borgo: Pana Rhei

Composer, enthnomusicologist, professor and player of a warm tenor and soprano sax (among other ditties), David Borgo brings together a team of LA’s finest in Josh Nelson/p, Luca Alemanno/b and Dan Schnelle/dr for a rich collection of modern originals. The ethnomusicologist in Borgo comes out when he pulse out his Irish low whistle and delivers a lovely and stately waltz in “Longing” while his mystical “gaita chuana” flute creates a luminous dance on “Malaga”. His tenor is palpably textured, breathy with Nelson on the post bopping “Mid Evil” and warm as a morning brew for the inviting “Blissando”. He also does some nice work blending his reeds, taking the baton from Alemanno and galloping on “Panta Rhei” while the harmonies are blissful on “Flow” featuring Nelson as the anchor leg. Class is in session, and I’m in the front row!