Where We Are

Somehow Bobrowicky's work seems best suited to the trio, in this case guitar, drums, and bass. The Argentinean guitarist's lines are deceptively simple, and the space that he needs to spread out permits him to show considerable grace and a lovely improvisational voice. The superb choice of tunes focuses on standards from the jazz repertoire, such as "Body and Soul" and Bird's "Au Privave," as well as several original compositions. Bobrowicky stamps his own interpretations on the standards without subverting their essence. Luca Conti's intelligent liners refer to the guitarist's South American roots and his previous efforts to perform through the lens of his cultural heritage. Conti views Bobrowicky as informing the jazz tradition with an Afro-bossa connection, and, in doing so, the guitarist expands, ever so slightly, the essence of the tunes. Essentially, the 14 tracks are far from groundbreaking, but they swing lightly, with an attractive, if not overwhelming, technique that pleases as it soothes and occasionally challenges.