Friday, August 27, 2021

Richard Galliano - Sentimentale

Styles: Accordian Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:06
Size: 153,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:38) 1. Armando's Rumba
(6:35) 2. Canto Invierno
(7:08) 3. In a Sentimental Mood
(4:43) 4. The Jody Grind
(5:05) 5. Ballade Pour Marion
(6:32) 6. The Island
(5:47) 7. Plus Fort Que Nous
(5:35) 8. Why Did I Choose You
(5:21) 9. Verbos Do Amor
(5:01) 10. Naima
(4:33) 11. Mantiqueira
(5:03) 12. Lili

Accordionist Richard Galliano is a true innovator of both the extemporized role of his instrument and of the fusion of French folk music with jazz. His breathtaking instrumental facility combined with a creative ingenuity makes his oeuvre, particularly the series of superb albums on Dreyfus Jazz, uniquely satisfying. In view of this, his release on the non-for-profit Resonance Label, Sentimentale is a bit of a letdown. A couple of Galliano compositions, and a few jazz, Bossa Nova and pop standards are among the dozen of tracks that constitute the album. Despite the diversity of their origins the superlative quintet's interpretation of these songs makes for a thematically cohesive recording. The musicians, however, both as individuals and as a group, play it safe and do not expand a great deal on the melodies and motifs inherent within each piece.

Saxophonist John Coltrane's "Naima" gets a breezy makeover with Galliano's eloquent solo merely adding some harmonic adornments to the classic. Guitarist Anthony Wilson brings a tad of intrigue with his Indian flavored strums as he takes his turn in the spotlight. Wilson and pianist Tamir Hendelman let loose an elegant cascade of notes on pianist Dave Grusin's effervescent but ultimately lightweight melancholic ballad. Galliano serenades the band with a sublime romanticism. His own impressionistic "Ballade Pour Marion" features his ardent yet subtle performance that conjures images of intimate cafes and a late night ambience. On Brazilian pianist Joao Donato's popular "Verbos Do Amor" Galliano successfully blends European sophistication with South American passion. Drummer Mauricio Zottarelli's energetic beats and bassist Carlitos del Puerto's vibrant thrums drive this sunny, sashaying tune.

The lyrical Galliano penned "Lili" is a hauntingly gorgeous duet between Wilson and Galliano and although short on spontaneity it closes the disc with a refined and poetic touch. Despite being disappointingly smooth and rather superficial in improvisational rigor Sentimentale is highly enjoyable and charming work. This is primarily due to the seamless camaraderie among the band members and their high caliber musicianship. ~Hrayr Attarian https://www.allaboutjazz.com/sentimentale-richard-galliano-resonance-records-review-by-hrayr-attarian.php

Personnel: Richard Galliano: accordion; Tamir Hendelman: piano; Anthony Wilson: guitar; Carlitos Del Puerto: bass; Mauricio Zottarelli: drums.

Sentimentale

Conrad Herwig - The Latin Side of John Coltrane

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:04
Size: 161,0 MB
Art: Front

(1:17)  1. Blessing
(6:05)  2. A Love Supreme (Supremo Amor)
(6:52)  3. Blue Train
(9:38)  4. Afro-Blue
(4:41)  5. Naima
(7:59)  6. Satellite
(6:37)  7. Africa
(4:36)  8. After the Rain
(7:26)  9. Impressions
(7:44) 10. India
(5:43) 11. The Drum Thing
(1:20) 12. Blessing (Reprise)

A great idea beautifully executed by New York trombonist Conrad Herwig. The trombonist/arranger/musical director chooses Coltrane's most accessible material from a period that arguably spawned his best, most memorable work (1958-1964), devised simple, exploratory frameworks for each (recalling veteran Chico O'Farrill), then assembled an outstanding collection of musicians. In addition to Herwig's sinewy trombone, there's Brian Lynch on trumpet, Dave Valentin on flutes, Ronnie Cuber on baritone, Richie Beirach (who contributed to some of the arrangements), Danilo Perez and Eddie Palmeri on piano, Andy Gonzalez (from the Fort Apache Band) on bass and Milton Cardona on vocals and percussion. Selections are outstanding: "A Love Supreme," "Blue Train," (where Lynch trades fours with Herwig), "Afro Blue" (great flute solo by Valentine), "Naima" (beautifully featuring Beirach), "After The Rain," "Impressions" and "India." Throughout, Herwig solos flawlessly, with a sensitivity and fire that's reminiscent of the source of his tribute. Herwig's record, more than Joe Henderson's recent big-band event, sounds like a natural conclusion. The arrangements and performances work well together and the Latin environment seems a logical foundation for Coltrane's passions. One last note: Astor Place has done a beautiful job packaging The Latin Side of John Coltrane , sparing no expense for trendy art direction that recalls some of the very expensive covers Limelight Records put out in the mid 60s. Recommended. ~ Douglas Payne https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-latin-side-of-john-coltrane-conrad-herwig-astor-place-review-by-douglas-payne.php

Personnel: Conrad Herwig - trombone, musical director;  Brian Lynch - trumpet;  Alex Sippiagin - trumpet;  Mike Ponella - trumpet;  Ray Vega - trumpet;  Dave Valentin - concert flute, alto flute, bass flute;   Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone;  Gary Smulyan - baritone saxophone;   Danilo Pérez - piano; Eddie Palmieri - piano;  Edward Simon - piano;  Richie Beirach - piano;   John Benitez - bass;   Andy González - bass;  Adam Cruz - drums;  Jose Clausell - timbales, percussion;  Richie Flores - congas;   Milton Cardona - vocals, bata, congas, percussion;  John Coltrane - tribute to, composer

The Latin Side of John Coltrane