Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 08/11/2009
Run Time: 47:32
Tango accordion has a clear icon in the late
Astor Piazzolla, but these days
Richard Galliano is making a strong case for being the premier
jazz accordionist. He's as lyrical as one needs, swings like mad, or brings tempos down to a sensual jog with passion and soul. When called upon, he can play a gut-wrenching
tango or two himself. For this effort he's joined by two different crack rhythm sections, the brilliant
Jean-François Jenny-Clark and
Daniel Humair (seven tracks), or the slightly cut below
Remi Vignolo and
Andre Ceccarelli (four tracks), bass and drums respectively. It's not hard to hear a distinctly French but improvisationally Americanized sound. The lone
standard,
"You Must Believe in Spring," is one of many
waltzes, but this one jumps from second to fifth gear,
Galliano rapidly flying through the changes. The title track is also quick, with
"Augusta" more a sprightly 3/4, while
"L'Envers du Décor" is an easier
modal three beat. Nods to Brazilian
Hermeto Pascoal are heard on his composition
"Bébé" and the mallets on drums and heavy conga beat-based fanfare and theme of
"Passarinho." Galliano plays his accordion and whistles in unison on both tracks. Soprano saxophonist
Michel Portal swings with
Galliano,
Humair, and
Clark on the 6/8
"J.F.," while
Clark duets with
Galliano on
"Sanguine," which is far from bloody, more like sweet sangria.
"Heavy Tango" is as it is titled -- hard-driving and no holds barred -- and there's a slow
samba,
"Sanfona," one of nine of
Galliano's written works. Even when the swing is light, as on
"Caruso," Galliano's button pushing is active, pulsing, and popping. There's much to like on this,
Galliano's most engaging CD. Perhaps some will beg for more variation, like the
Portal cut. But these rhythm sections, especially Europe's finest
Clark and
Humair, push
Galliano's artistry to greater heights, providing the listener with a unique experience in a
jazz and even more so in a
world music context. Highly recommended.
~Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
;)
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