The Choice

The Choice, guitarist and composer Diego Barber’s second release, continues where he left off on his 2009 debut, Calima. Once again, the Canary Islands-born musician successfully brings his classical leanings to a jazz setting. “To Annie” opens with a delicate guitar statement before bassist Johannes Weidenmueller and drummer Ari Hoenig enter, lending flexibility to the music. The superb saxophonist Mark Turner — who also appeared on Calima — comes aboard for “Contraste.” Turner’s measured, post-Warne Marsh approach is ideal for Barber’s music. “Jose’s House,” which comes charging out of the gate, finds Seamus Blake making an extended statement on sax. The piece can recall fusion or prog rock, but Barber’s solo brings a light touch to the mix. “Pittaluga” intrigues throughout its fourteen minutes, and it’s striking how well Barber’s classical patterns blend with Hoenig’s drumming. And Turner sounds great whether he’s precisely articulating the melody or improvising. The last third of the album is taken up by “Sonata Banc d’Arguin,” a three-part composition for solo guitar inspired by Barber’s travels in Mauritania.