Cajon Jazz Trio Vol II: Elegant Elephant – A Little Gem from Spain
Alright, let’s talk about Elegant Elephant by Evaristo Pérez. This album dropped in 2015 under the Fresh Sound New Talent label, and it's got that chill, smoky jazz vibe you’d expect from a Spanish trio. The lineup? Marta Themo on cajón (that box drum thing), Philippe Brassoud holding down the double bass, and Evaristo Pérez tickling the ivories on piano. It’s simple but tight—just how jazz should be.
Now, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill smooth jazz record. Nope. There’s something raw and playful here, like they’re jamming in someone’s living room instead of a fancy studio. And honestly? That makes it feel real.
Let me break down two tracks that stuck with me. First up is “Hulla Hop.” Man, this tune just bounces along so effortlessly. You can hear the cajón doing its thing, keeping the rhythm crisp while the piano dances around like it doesn’t have a care in the world. It’s one of those songs where you don’t realize you’ve been nodding your head for five minutes straight. Feels like sunshine on a lazy afternoon—simple but kinda perfect.
Then there’s “All Blues,” which, yeah, I know, is a classic Miles Davis track. But their version? Totally fresh. They take the bluesy backbone and give it this quirky twist. The basslines are deep and groovy, almost hypnotic, while the piano adds these unexpected little flourishes that make you go, “Wait, did he just do that?” It’s respectful to the original but still feels like they made it their own. Props to them for pulling that off without messing it up.
Other standouts include “Elegant Elephant” (obviously) and “Armando’s Rhumba,” which has this infectious Latin swing that’ll get your feet tapping whether you want them to or not. Oh, and “Galaxy”? Super dreamy. Like floating through space but with better company.
What I love most about this album is how unpretentious it feels. These guys aren’t trying too hard—they’re just letting the music speak for itself. It’s refreshing in an era when everything seems overproduced and calculated to death. Plus, the mix of traditional jazz with hints of Latin flair keeps things interesting throughout.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album made me wonder if elephants really are elegant. Like, sure, they’re majestic as heck, but also kinda clumsy sometimes, right? Maybe that’s why the title works—it’s not about being flawless; it’s about owning what you’ve got. Kinda like this album. So grab a coffee, put on some headphones, and let Elegant Elephant remind you that good music doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to hit home.
