So you might be asking, “WTF? Jazz? With a World edge? What, are you getting a Masters in Social Work?” Fair enough. Not all my listening falls into the categories of four-on-the-floor or three out of tune chords and although it is not rock, house, or punk ArcoLuz manages to growl, sing, and sway as Renaud Garcia-Fons demonstrates impeccable technique and lyricism double-bass. His work, especially on this album with its minimal setting, is worth sitting up and taking notice of.

The album, on face value, is a fairly traditional jazz set whereby each song begins with a statement of melody and each member of the trio then expands upon it through the course of the song. On this set the group explores folk traditions through the lens of Western Middle Eastern, and North African traditions while maintaining an air of improvisation. Garcia-Fons’ playing is light and nimble with some soaring passages, made possible by the extra fifth string in the upper register, and he is buoyed by Kiko Ruiz’s flamenco stylings and the understated percussion of Negrito Trasante.

The centerpiece of the album is obviously Garcia-Fons’ playing and it is well worth the price of admission. From the sweeping melody of the title track where his bow swoops over the strings lightly to the nimble pizzicato of “Berimbass” that skips about underneath Ruiz’s guitar and the quiet melody of “40 Dias,” Garcia-Fons ranges far and wide in his playing. While there are some that are left feeling a little cold hearing his performances it is hard to argue his musicianship and dedication to pulling the most that he can from his instrument is lacking.

Highly recommended if you have a hankering for microtonalism dressed up in Western methods and instrumentation or are a fan of the bass. You can find ArcoLuz at either eMusic or Amazon.