esperanto: esperanto
Francisco Espregueira
The first and eponymous LP of Esperanto, a Venezuelan jazz-fusion band from the late 70’s and early ‘80s, is reissued by Favorite Recordings, 41 years later its original release date. This rare and sought-after album recorded in Caracas can be likened to the best of the South American scene with strong funk & latin influences. Multi-instrumentalist Jorge Aguilar and drummer Pablo Matarazzo were part of a band that performed on parties in the city, covering a various number of Latin genres from Merengue to Salsa. Their dream for a project that encapsulated their real influences of jazz and funk, was made possible when friends return to Venezuela on vacations, on vacations from their studies at music schools in Boston and New York. Joined by Roldan Peña, Gustavo Arranguren, Ezequiel Serrano, Marcus Vinicius and Nenè Quintero, the jam-improv sessions turned out to be very fruitful.
Without realizing it, the group gained a certain notoriety in Caracas and began to give shows that became quite famous. Moving to a better studio, Esperanto started to take its final shape, with an exciting blend of funk, fusion and jazz-rock elements, all mixed with latin music influences. The extensive use of synthesizers, made the tracks sounded like a fresh wind blowing over the capital of Venezuela. Considered a masterpiece, Esperanto still remains in the memory of many Venezuelans of older generations. Comprised by six original compositions and two covers (included due to commercial aspects of the release), this golden-record is now available to an international audience, thanks to the invaluable work of Favorite Recordings.
“The album was recorded in its entirety almost live, that is, all of us playing together and without many overdubs because we did not have many tracks nor money to pay studio time. Certainly, we were one of the bands that started the Fusion jazz movement in Venezuela.”