Bringas takes experimental music to the edge.

La Orkezta de los 13 Zalbajez

German Bringas

Jazzorca Records

Ever since instrumentalist and eclectic composer German Bringas started to experiment a decade ago with practically every non-conventional musical style, the few critics who paid attention saw talent in his unique artistic statement. Now, at age 36, he has learned to communicate in his own language: It is one that paints chaos with many instruments-like the background of some obscure theater play-only to allow the slow emergence of each instrument's voice, ending in huge, epic explosions.

What Bringas owes to experimental jazz, electronic music and Frank Zappa doesn't immediately come to mind when listening to the latest release of his new collective project La Orkezta de los 13 Zolbajez. This album represents a gathering of extraordinary souls who seem to have come to the agreement that all voices must be heard at any cost. The price they have paid is that the music is surely incomprehensable to mainstream listeners, but Bringas has a devoted following who appreciates his unique creations.

The opening track, "El barko de la muerte" ("Death's boat"), is a 12-minute opus in which Bringas leads at times with tenor sax and trumpet, but only after at least a dozen other instruments have made their statements. Other effects and noises speak at the same time in harmony, delivering a highly enjoyable jewel.

It might take several listening sessions to discover that winds and percussions are the leading voices in most of his pieces. Bringas' brass section shines, masterfully supported by Alejandro Gonzalez, while the number of artists in both percussion and electronics is just too large for this space.

Don't be intimidated by this impressive CD, a masterpiece of contemporary art produced by Bringas' own record label Jazzorca (due to the lack of interest by commercial labels). There of the seven tracks here have been used for contemporary dance performances and most of the album has been heard at prestigious contemporary music festivals. Bringas has put all his life energy into his music. He also hosts experimental music of all kinds in his Cafe Jazzorca in Mexico City, the cradle of this and many other lasting musical projects.

The only problem is finding this and other independent productions at your neighborhood music store. You're going to have to hunt to find this jewel.