Conundrum Sessions

“BEST NATIONAL JAZZ ALBUMS – 3 – 2024”
Journalists at Jazz.pt

“…this is yet another confirmation that Pedro Melo Alves is AN INSTRUMENTALIST AND UNCOMPROMISING SEEKER WHO DESERVES A LOT OF ATTENTION.“
Tor Hammero, Tor de Jazz (Norway)

“Warning: avant-garde jazz and free improvisation. Not for ears that hate discoveries. For the others, don’t hold back. (…) THE RESULT IS ASTONISHING.”
Jean-Claude Vantroyen, Le Soir (Belgium)

★★★★☆
Gonçalo Frota, Público (Portugal)

“Conundrum Vol. 1 is AN ARRESTING CELEBRATION OF FREE AND OPEN MINDS, FULL OF SONIC SURPRISES AND WONDERS. Each guest brought a distinct sonic universe and set of epiphanies that seemed impossible to combine.
Eyal Hareveni, Salt Peanuts (Norway)

“…NOTABLE PERFORMANCES AND IS AN INDICATION AS TO HOW ALVES’ REFINED STYLE REACTS OR EXTENDS VARIED STIMULUS. Moving among soundtracks, improv, electronics, rock and Jazz, Alves has built up percussion sophistication that can be applied to partners of every stripe.”
Ken Waxman, Jazzword (Canada)

“THE LIST [OF GUESTS] IS TRULY IMPRESSIVE (…) heading towards the absolute unknown, to the most distant yet simultaneously closest enigma. (…) THIS IS UNREPEATABLE MUSIC, fortunately documented here for eternity.”
Rui Miguel Abreu, Rimas e Batidas (Portugal)

“Pedro Melo Alves is AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF WHAT AN INVENTIVE AND EXPRESSIVE DRUMMER CAN BE. (…) Each duo meets, greets and is A TREAT TO THE EARS.”
Mark Corroto, All About Jazz (USA)

“…A GENUINELY RADICAL IDEA (…) THERE’S SOMETHING HERE FOR ANYONE EVEN FAINTLY INTERESTED IN THE EXCITEMENT AND UNPREDICTABILITY OF FREE IMPROVISATION. (…) The result is like the soundtrack to the wildest dream you’ve ever had, full of unusual sounds, strange characters, and an array of quick changes in attitudes and feelings.”
Stuart Kremsky, Mr.Stu’s Record Room (USA)

“…A FULL-SCALE DEMONSTRATION OF THE ART OF PERCUSSION according to Melo Alves (…) all the musicians involved are expertly stimulated by the drummer, capable of anticipating or following the partner on duty, giving life to games that are always surprising without ever invading the other’s field, dosing depth and silences…”
Gennaro Fucile, Musica Jazz (Italy)

“The album highlights a wide range of sounds and instruments, showcasing distinct musical approaches and communication styles. (…) At the heart of the project is ALVES’S IMPROVISATIONAL SKILL AND ADAPTABILITY, MAKING THIS ALBUM A REMARKABLE COLLECTION OF DIVERSE MUSICAL ENCOUNTERS.“
Nuno Catarino, Europe Jazz Media Charts (Portugal)