Donald Vega

As I Travel

Imagery/Tiger Turn

Acclaimed pianist and composer Donald Vega may best be known as the pianist in Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio, but this is the fourth time he has stepped out as a leader with his own project. As I Travel is an autobiographical suite of compositions that traces Vega’s emigration to U.S. from Nicaragua from the age of 14, fleeing from the country’s civil war, and following in his mother’s footsteps. So, this is an immigration story conveyed through music about Vega who initially spoke little English and had difficulty communicating his ideas to one who studied at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard. Studying directly with such figures as John Clayton, Billy Higgins, and Kenny Barron, Vega began to shape his vision in those early years to attain the lofty status he carries today, recently selected as a Guggenheim Fellow, which helped him complete this album. Today Vega is also a faculty member at The Juilliard School and Hofstra University and sits on the board of Back Country Jazz, a non-profit organization which provides music education programs and performances to underprivileged youth.

Assisting Vega is drummer Lewis Nash, who has now appeared on all four of Vega’s solo albums, this time joined by John Patitucci (bass) and Luisito Quintero (percussion). Ultimately this is a celebratory album with Vega expressing his gratitude for those who have helped him on his journey and extending compassion and hope to those who struggle to find their own identity. The album title is a nod to Vega’s personal development Intellectually, musically, and emotionally, beginning with “Baila! Dance Like No One’s Watching.” Quintero’s percussion signals a joyous occasion and Vega’s inspired flight through the keys is his way of nodding to the Nicaragua culture, which though saddled with poverty, has its people often celebrating every small victory. He sees this attitude in his son too and dedicates the piece accordingly.  The lyrical title track is more reflective in tone and “I Know You Can Fly” is a lilting, melodic tune that somehow conjures carefree youth. “Tomorrows II” is a reworking of the title track of his 2008 debut album of the same name.  It’s an alternately rousing and pensive tune, conveying hope and optimism based on his own story which may have taken on some embellishment through the years – “The story gets told a lot that I came to this country at the age of 14 on the 4th of July. The truth is, I don’t recall the exact date or year,” Vega admits. “…but it’s a nice idea isn’t it? That America was celebrating another year at the same time I was crossing the border to start a new chapter in my life.”

“Alegria” plays true to the word’s English translation – “joy” while “Disturbios” is understandably darker and dramatic in the first section and features outstanding bass playing by Patitucci, the piece later expressing more optimism and hope, in keeping with the album theme. The last three tracks honor females and display Vega’s trademark romantic lyricism beginning with “Isabel- The Enchanting Nature of You,” followed by “Dear Myra” for his mother who paved his way to America and provided for his early classical piano training in his native country. Purposely, there are some unrelenting sections in this piece, to convey his mother’s steadfast will to rise above any obstacle in her way.  Patitucci shines again here with his pizzicato runs. The closer “Beautiful Ladies” swings with unabashed joy.

Vega’s As I Travel is beautifully rendered and emotionally uplifting. Even the pensive moments pass quickly as Vega consistently expresses positivity and gratitude.

 

• Jim Hynes

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