The first-ever reissue of the ultra-rare 1971 self-titled album from Argentina’s Quinteplus – a forward-thinking jazz fusion record blending folk rhythms, funk, and modal improvisation with rich brass and electric piano textures.
For fans of: Cannonball Adderley, Joe Zawinul, Gato Barbieri, Latin jazz, soul-jazz fusion
Quinteplus was born in Buenos Aires at the end of the 1960s, emerging directly from the ideas and experiments of the legendary Agrupación Nuevo Jazz. Founded in the early '60s, this collective brought together some of the most forward-thinking figures in Argentine jazz functioned as a creative lab where musicians questioned where jazz could go next. Among the key ideas discussed was the fusion of jazz with Argentine folk styles such as zamba, chacarera, malambo, cueca, and candombe, as well as a deeper look into African rhythms as a bridge between musical worlds. Two members of that collective, keyboardist Santiago Giacobbe and bassist Jorge "Negro" González, carried those ideas forward when they formed Quinteplus in 1969. The group came together naturally: all the musicians already knew each other and had played in different projects around the Buenos Aires scene. They shared a strong admiration for Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's quintet, along with a clear goal -- to develop a modern jazz language grounded in local Argentine rhythms. From the start, Quinteplus stood out for its openness and adventurous spirit. Rhythm was central, and so was experimentation. The band belonged to a generation of Argentine jazz musicians eager to explore electric instruments and new textures, anticipating what would soon be known as jazz-rock. This was happening in Buenos Aires at the very same time Miles Davis was opening new doors with In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew. In 1971, Quinteplus recorded its first and only studio album for EMI. The original lineup featured Jorge Anders on tenor saxophone, Gustavo Bergalli on trumpet, Giacobbe on keyboards, González on upright and electric bass, and Norberto "Pocho" Lapouble on drums and percussion -- who also illustrated the album's iconic sleeve. The record is a refined showcase of the band's musical vision: original compositions, fluent jazz language, folk-derived rhythms, funky electric textures, tight ensemble playing, and standout brass solos. Though critically praised, the album received little label support and sold modestly, eventually becoming a sought-after collector's item. Quinteplus disbanded in 1973, their music was perhaps too bold and unconventional for its time. This first-time reissue brings back a vital chapter of Argentine jazz history, revealing a band that was truly ahead of the curve and still resonates powerfully today.
