Seven days a week: Pedro Jerónimo
Bijgewerkt op: 14 aug
Four hours after today's solar eclipse, the album MIVRO II came out. While outside the moon moved in front of the sun, this record opens with the track 'Moon' and ends with 'Sun', separated by five planets. Together, they form the days of the week. The solar eclipse took place on the day of 'Mercury', while the release occurred within the first minutes of 'Jupiter'. The planets Saturn, Mars and Venus spin around on the turn table completing the circle. By the way, the solar eclipse outside was complete in Portugal, which is where trumpeter Pedro Jerónimo is originally from and where the album was recorded.
Pedro Jerónimo is a Portuguese jazz and soul trumpeter, composer, bandleader and conductor, recognized for his lyrical sound, expressive improvisation and distinctive musical voice. Drawing inspiration from masters such as Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Philip Dizack and Ambrose Akinmusire, he has developed a style that balances melodic sensitivity with contemporary improvisation and refined composition. Throughout his career, Pedro has collaborated extensively across the Portuguese jazz scene. Now based in the Netherlands, Pedro has established an active international career, His latest album represents the next stage of his artistic journey, bringing together sophisticated compositions and spontaneous improvisation while reflecting the evolution of his musical identity.
PEDRO JERÓNIMO ABOUT MIVRO II:
“Mivro means in Portuguese (Música + Livro) = Music and book combined. I wanted to tell a story through my compositions around a specific concept. The reason for the (II) is that this is the 2nd volume of the story. There was a first (I) repertoire with a different concept called Mivro I, which is waiting to be recorded.”
“All the songs were recorded in a live setting over two days at Arda Studios in Porto. Regarding the improvisation, a big part of the album is built around it. The generosity of all the musicians brings out the creative side while shaping the entire story. You can listen to those moments in every song. From Monday until Sunday, improvisation is a very important and ever-present element.”
”Every planet and every day carries astrological, spiritual, and historical meanings. My job was simply to understand those relationships and compose music based on my own interpretation and creativity, always having in mind the musicians and instruments selected.”
The Moon (Monday) marks transitions and cycles, is the awakening of the week and in turn, the album, with the start of the double bass ostinato followed by a horn melody and his counterpoint.
Tuesday (Mars) captures the momentum of the week. Is very rhythmic, with a strong statement from the drums and horns. The melody unleashes the possibility of action, dictating the direction and development for the rest of the next days.
Wednesday/Mercury represents the awareness of your presence. The rhythmic and harmonic content is in 5/4, while the main melody provided by the horns conveys the idea that everything can be achieved with a very clear and clean approach.
Thursday (Jupiter) provides tools to find solutions. The idea of ritualistic chantings is present in the saxophone and trumpet melodies. The collective and individual improvisations mirror this chaotic process.
Friday (Venus) is an acknowledgement of boundaries and individual rebellion. Right from the beginning, we hear a melody played by the trumpet and saxophone alone before the rest of the instruments enter. The groove, harmony, and melody that follow reveal a very grounded and emotive day.
Saturday (Saturn) dresses growth in a relaxed way. The drums’ intro, melody, harmony, and solos all capture this atmosphere.
SUN-day is the day for self-expression and creativity. It is this very well represented by the main melody that both horns play. It reflects a sense of togetherness while looking ahead to the beginning of the next week and the next adventure! “
“I want to play the songs of this album everywhere: in my home country Portugal, in the Netherlands and beyond… Performing at venues that promote live music and music festivals is my main goal and the direction I want to take in sharing my music!”
From left to right: HUGO FERREIRA — GUITAR, MIGUEL SEOANE — SAXOPHONE, PEDRO JERÓNIMO — TRUMPET, JOÃO ALMEIDA — DRUMS, DEMIAN CABAUD — DOUBLE BASS
The album is released on vinyl and available in The New Funky Vinyl and in your favorite local record store, distributed by Painted Dog Records. You can also listen to the album via streaming services. Tracks are added to The New Funky Jazz playlist.
