Carrera Sunnyside ****

Influential Argentinian composer and arranger Guillermo Klein's ensemble is too small to be called a big band, and too big to be called a small group, but it beautifully combines the virtues of both. His compositions are an idiosyncratic fusion of jazz, tango and modern classical with complex harmonies and gnarly grooves, and his arrangements for the 11-piece group are a sophisticated blend of Latin romanticism and New York abstraction. Though no longer resident in the US, Klein has retained his links to the scene there and Los Gauchos represent the cream of New York's downtown scene, including drummer Jeff Ballard, guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonists Chris Cheek and Miguel Zenon. Klein's personality is firmly imprinted on the music, but like Gil Evans or Hermeto Pascoal, he also leaves plenty of room for the personalities of the players to shine through, making for a sound that is both fresh and timeless. sunnysiderecords.com