Review: Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo – I’m Gonna Move

 

Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo – I’m Gonna Move

Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo – I’m Gonna Move
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release: 2025

Text: Pascal van Wilsum

Well, I guess I will plan my next holiday to Spain. Barcelona, to be specific. If only to spend at least one night to see a show of Martín Burguez & His Rhythm Combo. Drawing inspiration from Big Joe Turner, Nappy Brown, Chuck Willis, Tiny Bradshaw, BB King, T-Bone Walker, Pee Wee Crayton and Johnny “Guitar” Watson Martin and his sextet deliver ‘40s and ‘50s rhythm ‘n blues …. as if time stood still.

How did Martín get into this style of music?

“I started with the blues when I was around 20 years old, but I had been studying music since I was 15 years old. My first blues album was “Texas Sensation” by Freddie King and from then on I kept on discovering more records and artists. Not only did I became very fanatic with the blues in terms of the music, but also with all its culture and historical context. The blues led me to discover swing music and rhythm & blues, and nowadays I feel very connected to both genres.”

Twelve songs on I’m gonna move. Partly instrumentals, partly original material (and an excellent cover of Chuck Willis’ Watcha Gonna Down When Your Baby Leaves You) which neatly fits the tradition. No, his music is not in any way progressive, but it shouldn’t! This music should just be played RIGHT and Martín and his rhythm compadres certainly do so.

“I like the fact that it is very expressive music, which invites you to interact with the musicians in the band and even with the audience. Mainly the rhythmic aspect is one of the characteristics that I find most seductive.”

How did his band get that live sound? And how about the recording process?

“The main reason is that the band has been working hard since its inception, just over two years ago from today. The project has musicians who have been playing blues, rhythm & blues and jazz for several years, and we have been working on a lot of repertoire during this time, selecting what I think sounds best. We recorded the album at Feel Back Studio (Barcelona). Our sound engineer was Marc Tena, and I think it was very important that Marc came to see the band live during our concert days before recording, in order to achieve one of the objectives, which was to capture the real sound of the band in this new album.”

Martín and his combo obviously put a lot of hard work in I’m gonna move, which is their first album. Check out their live videos, this band will certainly get your feet down on the floor, also evident from the fact that the combo has been playing swing dance events and tournaments.

Plans for the future, Martín?

“Personally I am very happy with this new album. I’ve been in Europe for less than four years and I’ve been able to gather a group of great musicians and excellent people who love music and having fun, this album tries to capture the best of our repertoire, our own songs with life stories and rhythm & blues classics that we want to pay tribute to. We have been on the road a lot lately and with this album I hope we can reach more places!”

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s get Martín and his great band on the road.

First stop: The Netherlands!

Tracks:
01. Fat Ride in G
02. I’m Gonna Move
03. Well, Well, Well Baby-La
04. Be Steady
05. Don’t Clap on One
06. Riffin’ & Boppin’
07. Please Don’t Leave Me
08. My Heart in My Hand
09. Shooty Booty
10. MB Hop
11. What’cha Gonna Do (When Your Baby Leaves You)
12. All Night Long

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id