Argentine pianist, composer, and bandleader Fernando Otero makes his much-anticipated debut on World Village with 'Vital.' Following several acclaimed albums on Nonesuch, 'Vital' has Otero offering an updated infusion of what's come to be expected of him in the jazz world: an invigorating amalgam of classical chamber music, freewheeling jazz improvisation and new tango. Described as his most meditative and introspective work to date, 'Vital''s ruminations reflect the Buenos Aires-born, Brooklyn-based musician's polyglot, musical formation. The son of an actor and a successful opera singer, Otero was a multi-instrumentalist by the age of 10. He counts as his influences Igor Stravinsky and Béla Bartók, who also incorporated folklore into their music, and South American icons like fellow Argentine Astor Piazzola, Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, and Hugo Fattoruso of Uruguay. Lauded for his bold sense of innovation and experimentation, as well as his rhythm, whimsy and spirited compositions, Otero upholds his reputation on his latest effort.
