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A Milestone in Chilean Jazz History

Jazz enthusiasts, here’s one for the history books. The debut album by the Omar Nahuel Quartet, recorded in May 1963, isn’t just a treasured piece of music; it’s a touchstone for the evolution of jazz in Chile.

The Album

Pressed on black vinyl and released by independent label Ediciones LR Ortiz, this groundbreaking record marked the first full jazz album recorded in Chile by a professional Chilean group. Engineered by Rafael Hidalgo, the album included an impressive mix of original compositions and bebop covers. Anchored by the core quartet of Omar Nahuel (piano), Patricio Ramírez (alto sax), Alfonso Barrios (double bass), and Orlando Avendaño (drums), the session also featured guest clarinettist Patricio Lara on the track “Tranquilo”. Other highlights include vibrant renditions of Charlie Parker’s “Donna Lee” and Dizzy Gillespie’s “Here It Is”.

A Jazz Legacy

Upon release, this album inspired the growth of Chile’s jazz scene, influencing acts like the Chilean Jazz Messengers and the Village Trio. Despite their early success, the Omar Nahuel Quartet experienced notable changes in their line-up, with Avendaño leaving in 1963 and Ramírez in 1964. Nahuel’s evolving ensembles included talents such as drummers Waldo Cáceres and Jaime Farfán, bassists Boris Castilla and Nelson Gamboa, and tenor saxophonist Mario Escobar Jr.

A Tragic Loss and Lasting Impact

Omar Nahuel’s promising musical career was tragically cut short when he passed away in a car accident in 1969 at just 33 years old. Yet his influence endures. Musicologist Álvaro Menanteau observed in The History of Jazz in Chile that “the ’60s were born and died with Omar Nahuel.” His spirit lives on in the vibrant jazz culture that continues to thrive, rooted in the milestones created by his iconic work.

Collectors and jazz aficionados alike prize this seminal album not just for its historical significance but for its compelling artistry. With its intricate arrangements, refined performances, and bold innovation, it firmly stands as a masterpiece that defined an era.