Mediterranean tales and tango
The New Year begins with the magical album by Gianni Iorio and Pasquale Stafano, called "Mediterranean Tales" (Enja 2020). The two Italians tell six stories that are strongly connected with our favorite sea and the homeland of tango Argentina. Iorio's bandoneon and Stefano's piano speak and transport us almost physically to the waves, to the coast, in front of the sunsets or on a bright morning. Music inspired by the landscapes and vibrations of the sea, but also completely in the style of "tango nuovo”.
Fans of Astor Piazzolla will immediately find a direct connection with the father of modern tango, and critics speak of Gianni Iorio himself as one of the most important bandoneon players of our time. Stefano's piano, on the other hand, carries this warm timbre so characteristic of Italian jazz, this softness and smoothness that floats like a wave. The dialogues between the musicians and the instruments are a pleasure and it's as if we feel the waves swaying.
All six plays rather reflect inner experiences and convey to the listener the connection between nature and man, the dissolution in this environment. This is suggested by the titles themselves - The Secret Dance of the Sun, Landscapes, Nature, Dreamer… The mood is dynamic and often changes - just like the sea. One moment can last a long time, or everything can change suddenly.
The album "Mediterranean Tales" is more for lovers of chamber music and that which challenges us and pushes us to domestic journeys. Have a nice winter day escape.
January 2022
Image © MA
