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Richard Galliano: Sentimentale

By Hrayr Attarian
December 16, 2014
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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

saxophone
1926 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">John Coltrane's "Naima" gets a breezy makeover with Galliano's eloquent solo merely adding some harmonic adornments to the classic. Guitarist

Anthony Wilson

guitar
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">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

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Tamir Hendelman let loose an elegant cascade of notes on pianist

Dave Grusin

piano
b.1934

" data-original-title="" title="">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

João Donato

piano
1934 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Jo?o Donato's popular "Verbos Do Amor" Galliano successfully blends European sophistication with South American passion. Drummer

Mauricio Zottarelli

drums
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Mauricio Zottarelli's energetic beats and bassist

Carlitos del Puerto

bass, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">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.

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Track Listing

Armando's Rumba; Canto Invierno; In A Sentimental Mood; The Jody Grind; Ballad For Marion; The Island; Plus Fort Que Nous; Why Did I Choose You; Verbos Do Amor; Naima; Mantiqueira; Lili.

Personnel

Richard Galliano

accordion

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

Album information

Title: Sentimentale | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Resonance Records

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