Saluzzi; Dino: El Encuentro

You know, one of the most interesting things about being fortunate enough to write for Sea of Tranquility, is having the opportunity to hear music that otherwise I would be unaware of, or in truth think isn't for me. I have been lucky to already review a number of ECM's excellent jazz CDs over recent months, however with bandoneon player Dino Saluzzi's El Encuentro album, I have been introduced to a style and sound that I really didn't expect to have the effect on me that it has. Along with Anja Lechner on violincello and Dino's brother Felix who plays saxophone, Saluzzi has joined with The Metropole Orchestra to produce a live album recorded in Amsterdam's Muziekgebouw, that really is quite beautiful.

There are four separate pieces on the album, that are all lilting, sweeping gestures which encourage you to give the music every ounce of your attention and as you delve deeper into the emotional compositions, the more involved you become. In fact one of Dino's quotes on the music actually sums up the whole album beautifully, as he says "a lot can be told using few elements. The music should not be too rational. It has to brim with innocence." And in a nutshell, there you have it. The orchestra follows, although it is not bound to, the strains of Dino's bandoneon and every sound comes over as an integral part of a larger story, allowing the music to paint extremely vivid and moving pictures. Each element is given the space in which to really breathe its own atmosphere into the music, which makes for some sparse sections having a deep impact on their surroundings.

It is amazing to think that this album's release coincided with Saluzzi's 75th birthday, as the clarity of these compositions and the skill in which the pieces are arranged is quite stunning. The thought of a classically inspired album with bandoneon, violincello and saxophone may not appeal to those not familiar with this style of work, however it is seldom that you get to hear music that has such strength and emotion, played in such a subtle and understated way, making El Encuentro a true joy to listen to time and time again.

Track Listing
1. Vals de los dias
2. Plegaria Andina
3. El Encuentro
4. Miserere

Added: September 10th 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: ECM Records
Hits: 1956
Language: english

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