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Momenta is Argüelles' return to a big band setting, and is the culmination of composing, rehearsing and performing with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band where he now works. Recorded live in concert, Momenta is a collection of new arrangements of Argüelles compositions, both old and new, plus two new compositions specifically for this project. Argüelles' ever-changing formats have produced acclaimed trio, quartet, octet and solo recordings, yet his relationship with big bands is a long-standing one. A member of the European Youth Jazz Orchestra, a founding member of the mid 80's maverick ensemble, Loose Tubes, he has worked with large groups led by Django Bates, Chris McGregor's Brotherhood of Breath and Kenny Wheeler's Big Band for 20 years. Argüelles has written for the Hamburg Radio Big Band, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, and Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra. He feels this project is an extension of his earlier arrangements.

Track Listing

Sales Points

• Features one of the most widely acclaimed artists on the British scene, pianist Gwilym Simcock.

Press Quotes

This is how it's done. Perfection

     —Duncan Heining, JazzUK

The saxophonist configures his compositions old and new for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band to deliver warm-hearted music with all the clout and none of the clichés of big-band jazz. Among the soloists, Gwilym Simcock, pianist du jour, makes telling contributions, mixing fire and romanticism, while Argüelles himself is on song.

     —John Bungey, The Times (London)

Momenta is another highly worthwhile addition to the Arguelles catalogue, and a reminder that the scope and depth of his contribution to 21st century jazz continues to grow.

     —Peter Bacon, The Jazz Breakfast

The music is full of surprising turns, yet much of Arguelles's improvising on tenor sax sounds like Stan Getz, in that it suggests irresistible forward motion without insistence or urgency. The lilting Barcelona 1936 evokes the Liberation Music feel in its rising and subsiding brass harmonies, and Evan's Freedom Pass is like 21st-century West Side Story Bernstein before its busy clamour breaks out into collective improv. Skull View, an older Arguelles vehicle, starts wistfully and turns into a Spanish handclapping dance, and Mish Mash mingles Schneider's swooping feel, a John Surman-like soprano-sax reflectiveness, and wah-wah guitar funk. It's all testament to Arguelles's growing stature on the playing and composing fronts.

     —John Fordham, The Guardian 4 stars

Argüelles has played in and written for big bands before, but this live recording with the Frankfurt Radio Bigband may be his finest yet in the genre.

     —Ray Comiskey, The Irish Times 5 stars