Gato Barbieri: The Fiery Soul of Latin Jazz
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Leandro “Gato” Barbieri, whose nickname means “cat” in Spanish, was born into a musical family in Rosario, Argentina. His journey into the world of music began with the clarinet, but it was the alto saxophone that he played while collaborating with Argentine pianist Lalo Schifrin in the late 1950s. The turning point in his musical career came after hearing Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time,” which deeply influenced his musical direction.
Rise to Fame
In the early 1960s, Barbieri’s career took him to Rome, where he worked with trumpeter Don Cherry. Influenced by John Coltrane and other free jazz saxophonists, he developed a warm and gritty tone that became his signature sound. By the late 1960s, he began incorporating South American music into his style, contributing to projects like Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra and Carla Bley’s Escalator over the Hill.
A Grammy and a New Sound
Barbieri’s score for Bernardo Bertolucci’s film “Last Tango in Paris” earned him a Grammy Award, catapulting him to international fame. This success led to a record deal with Impulse! Records. By the mid-1970s, he had shifted his music towards soul-jazz and jazz-pop, recording for A&M Records. His album “Caliente!” featured his rendition of Carlos Santana’s “Europa,” which became his best-known song.
Personal Struggles and Artistic Hiatus
The death of his wife Michelle in 1995, after a decade-long battle with cancer, led Barbieri to withdraw from public life. He stopped recording and touring to care for her during her illness. It was only after her passing that he returned to the music scene, inspired to create original scores for films like “Manhattan by Numbers” and “Seven Servants.”
Later Years and Legacy
Barbieri’s later work, including the album “Qué Pasa,” moved into the realm of smooth jazz. Despite the changes in his musical style, he remained an influential figure in the jazz world. His contributions to Latin jazz were recognized with a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Barbieri’s influence extended beyond music; he was the inspiration for the character Zoot in the fictional Muppet band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
Conclusion: The Enduring Spirit of Gato Barbieri
Gato Barbieri passed away in New York City on April 2, 2016.
- Caliente!:This album features Barbieri’s soulful rendition of “Europa,” which became one of his signature pieces, blending Latin jazz with a smooth, emotive sound.
- Ruby Ruby:Produced by Herb Alpert, this album continues the smooth jazz journey with rich, melodic tunes and Barbieri’s fiery saxophone leading the charge.
- Under Fire:An early work that captures the raw energy and passion of Barbieri’s playing, combining elements of free jazz and Latin rhythms.
- Fenix:This record is a testament to Barbieri’s ability to fuse the avant-garde with traditional South American music, creating a unique and powerful sound.
- The Third World:One of his most acclaimed albums, it showcases Barbieri’s deep connection to his Latin roots, with a mix of improvisation and structured composition.
- El Pampero:Recorded live, this album captures the electrifying atmosphere of Barbieri’s performances, featuring extended, exploratory versions of his compositions.
- Bolivia:A beautiful blend of melancholic melodies and vibrant South American influences, this album highlights Barbieri’s skill as a composer and bandleader.
- Last Tango in Paris:The soundtrack to the famous film, it features Barbieri’s hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly captures the movie’s emotional depth.
- Que Pasa:Moving into the realm of smooth jazz, this album offers a more relaxed and accessible side of Barbieri’s music without losing the intensity of his playing.
- Che Corazón:A later work that reflects Barbieri’s continued passion for blending jazz with Latin and pop elements, creating a sound that’s both familiar and fresh.
