Passatori

Amazon.com
Composer and accordionist Richard Galliano owes a lot to Astor Piazzolla. Sure, he's tackled improv-jazz and French musette music, but--at the heart of performances--the tango is never that far away. On Passatori, Galliano pays homage to Piazzolla's classical repertoire (swinging orchestral works that sway from gentle ballads to dizzying tangos) by performing both compositions from the Argentinian master and originals that clearly show his influence. The opening movement to Galliano's three-part Opale Concerto hearkens to Piazzolla's Tango Ballet, but throws even more drama into the fold by its conclusion. On Galliano's "San Peyre," he slows things down for a reflective ballad that is both sensual and moving. Throughout, the Toscana orchestra and Galliano show an impressive versatility. Great stuff. --Jason Verlinde

From Rhythm Magazine
Richard Galliano, a Frenchman of Italian ancestry, is an accordionist who became known in the mid-'70s as a composer and arranger for Claude Nougaro, one of France's most respected singers. Galliano has also worked with many jazz legends and has helped modernize the Parisian cafi music known as bal-musette. Passatori, Galliano's sixth album for Dreyfus Jazz, features a 14-piece string orchestra, which manages to swing while remaining passionate. The original compositions include a three-movement concerto, a habanera and a waltz. Galliano also offers a rendition of Astor Piazzolla's "Oblivion" and ends the album with Piazzolla's sensual "Concerto Pour Bandonion."

Passatori,Richard Galliano,Dreyfus,Jazz,Jazz Music,Modern Composition,Orchestral Jazz,Pop,Post-Bop,Tango

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