The Prime Element

The Prime Element was a Manhattan-based Latin-jazz/rock big band headed by Argentinian keyboardist/arranger Carlos Franzetti. The project yielded the 1976 Trova album Alborada. 

Members: Carlos Franzetti (Rhodes, guitar, Hammond, Moog, percussion, arranger), Omar Clay (percussion, marimba, arranger), Alex Layne (bass), Greg Maker (bass), Akua Dixon (cello, vocals), Ray Mantilla (congas), Mauricio Smith (flute, clarinet), Greg Williams (French horn), Kenny Rogers (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone), Marvin Blackman (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone), Maxine Roach (viola), Carl Ector (violin), Gayle Dixon (violin, vocals)

Background

The Prime Element formed in December 1974, soon after Argentine pianist and arranger Carlos Franzetti arrived in New York.

Franzetti studied piano at the National Conservatory in Buenos Aires. From 1971 to 1974, he directed music for the Fermata publishing company in Mexico and studied composition with Humberto Hernández Medrano. On a return visit to Buenos Aires, Music Hall A&R representative Mochín Marafiotti invited him to record a single. Franzetti assembled percussionist Rubén Rada, guitarist Ricardo Lew, bassist Emilio Valle, and drummer Osvaldo López for “Dedos” (b/w “Doce y Diez”). In New York, he studied conducting with Vincent LaSelva at the Juilliard School.

Percussionist Omar Clay and conguero Ray Mantilla played together in Max Roach’s percussion ensemble M’Boom. In July 1973, Clay produced an Elvin Jones session that included his composition “The Prime Element.” Cellist Akua Dixon and her sister, violinist Gayle Dixon, played in New York jazz string quartets with violist Maxine Roach.

Franzetti assembled Clay, Mantilla, the Dixon sisters, and Roach with other New York players for The Prime Element. Franzetti and Clay coordinated the Alborada sessions with producer Carlos A. Garber.

Discography:

• Alborada (1976)

Sources

• Basic Soul — The Prime Element, May 2006. Franzetti formed the group soon after his move to New York. Basic Soul
• Radio UNAM — Carlos Franzetti, “Mis años de formación en el jazz.” Franzetti recounts his years at Fermata, studies with Humberto Hernández Medrano, and late-1974 arrival in New York. Radio UNAM
• Sound Essence — “Dedos” reissue notes. Mochín Marafiotti arranged the 1974 single, whose personnel included Rubén Rada, Ricardo Lew, Emilio Valle, and Osvaldo López. Sound Essence
• Amapola Records — Carlos Franzetti biography. Franzetti studied at the National Conservatory and later studied conducting with Vincent LaSelva at Juilliard. Amapola Records
• WBGO — M’Boom history. Omar Clay and Ray Mantilla played in Max Roach’s percussion ensemble. WBGO
• Mosaic Records — Elvin Jones session discography. Clay produced the July 1973 session that included his composition “The Prime Element.” Mosaic Records
• Local 802 Allegro — Gayle Dixon interview. Dixon discusses her early New York string quartet performances with her sister Akua. Local 802
• The New York City Jazz Record — Akua Dixon interview. Dixon identifies Maxine Roach as a player in her early quartet. The New York City Jazz Record
• Latina Stereo — Mauricio Smith discography. The Alborada entry lists the session personnel, Franzetti and Clay as coordinators, and Carlos A. Garber as producer. Latina Stereo