Xavi Reija (born June 16, 1972, in Barcelona) is a prominent Spanish drummer, composer, and music teacher internationally known for his work in progressive rock, free jazz, and jazz fusion. He combines a solid rhythmic foundation with adventurous, polyrhythmic improvisations. Reija graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 1999, earning a Summa Cum Laude degree in musical performance. He has played with icons such as Gary Willis (Tribal Tech), Steve Hogarth (Marillion), Abraham Laboriel, and Dusan Jevtović. He also forms the duo XaDu with Jevtović. Since 2004, he has led his own projects, including the Xavi Reija Electric Quintet which also includes Jevtović. He is most known for his albums Resolution (2014, see review, an album characterized by a mix of progressive art rock and open improvisation) and The Sound Of The Earth (2018, see review, a conceptual fusion album with sprawling, epic compositions). Now in 2026 he has released Nu Breed which was recorded with his Electric Quintet, in which modern, eclectic jazz textures take center stage. The albums features next to Xavier Reija on drums, the earlier mentioned Dusan Jevtovic on electric guitar, furthermore Rafael Garcés on saxophone, Bernat Hernández on bass guitar and Tomŕs Fosch on Fender Rhodes electric piano and Mini Moog. You could say that the album marks an important new chapter in Spanish and international contemporary electric jazz and progressive jazz-rock fusion. Because it combines tight grooves, raw rock riffs, and traditional jazz elements into an eclectic and dynamic whole. What stands out most is the organic live energy of the recordings. The tracks feel energetic and spontaneous, as if they were recorded live. Although the rhythm section led by Reija lays a heavy foundation, all individual band members are given ample room for melodic improvisations and virtuosic solos. The musicians audibly radiate the joy of playing. Every musician stands out through their personal style of playing. Xavi Reija for his inventive, driving, and organic drumming. Duan Jevtović with his raw, cutting, and sometimes fuzzy guitar tones. Tomŕs Fosch who provides a warm and psychedelic foundation on the Fender Rhodes and Mini Moog. Rafael Garcés delivers powerful, melodic, and sometimes melancholic saxophone work. And finally but not least Bernat Hernández which lays down a rock-solid and groovy foundation on the bass guitar. As for the track list of Nu Breed. The album contains a total of 8 instrumental tracks with a wide variety of styles within the genre in which the music is situated. For example Dreamscape Room with its building intensity and its leading saxophone parts. Or Are You Religious? which is one of the harder tracks on the album, characterized by wild rock riffs and therefore a kind of solid rocker with Eastern motifs and raw guitar work. Or what about Dusan Song characterized by spicy funk and jazz influences. And what to think about Dreamland with its complex harmonies combined with a rolling bass. Another good example is We Keep Walking which can be described as a melancholic, atmospheric ballad driven by saxophone and keyboards. Or Reflections which is also a quieter, melancholic song that slowly builds to an intense climax. Not to forget Nu Breed, the energetic title track with a prominent rousing bass line, ripping saxophone, and sparkling keyboards. Finally the catchy closing track Two Sides which is layered and very danceable and in which Reija brings the record to an end with an impressive drum part. This way I guess I mentioned every track on the album! This is certainly another one of those albums that needs to be listened to multiple times to be fully appreciated. For it is not the music, or rather the progressive rock, that our readers normally listen to. That does not mean, however, that it is any less interesting or beautiful. Certainly not, and after listening to it several times you will start to hear the many details that make the music interesting. So, I want to say: give this album a chance, because it certainly deserves it. I did so myself and discovered that a mix of progressive rock, free jazz, and jazz fusion is definitely enjoyable too. As I mentioned before You could say that the album marks an important new chapter in Spanish and international contemporary electric jazz and progressive jazz-rock fusion. *** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
