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André Santos: Ponto De Partida
ByThe quietly exultant "Zion" features layered, overdubbed acoustic guitars. The down-tempo, suite-like "Reverso da Medalha" juxtaposes passages of solo acoustic guitar and jazzier ensemble playing with Santos' percussive, effects-free electric out in front. "Siso" is quite a bit darker and a little heavier, with Santos playing the lead on a delicately fuzzed electric followed by a lengthy counter-melody with Ricardo Toscano's alto saxophone out front. Santos' twisting, aggressive solo, and the overlay of quietly fluttering atonal saxophone at the piece's end, make the listener sit up and take notice. Joao Hasselberg's stalking bass line on "Qwerty," one of the album's most dynamic pieces, gives Santos and drummer Joao Pereira plenty of open space to interact before the mood gets more aggressive; Santos' solo here is a real corker. The quartet flirts with rhapsodic, turbulent free jazz á la late 60s / early 70s Keith Jarrett on "Viagem De Olhos Vendados," and wraps up the album on an aggressive, noir-ish note with the passionate, rocking "Pressagio."
The remaining pieces, particularly "Avo Joao" and the charming "Mutantes," explore various aspects of the connections between Portuguese and Brazilian styles. "Avo Joao," with tenor saxophonist Gianni Gagliardi is sort of an altered bossa with a pretty, hummable melody. The unbelievably charming "Mutantes" presents Santos in a trio with vocalists Joana Espadinha and Margarida Campelo. Again, Santos refers to Brazilian music without enslaving himself to it. Replete with odd and unexpected vocal harmonies and intervals of wordless singing over Santos' vamping acoustic, the tune is a bit reminiscent of Argentinian pop chanteuse Juana Molina's quirky electroacoustic music.
Track Listing
Zion; Reverso da Medalha; Siso; Ponto De Partida; Avo Joao; QWERTY; Viagem De Olhos Vendados; Mutantes; Pressagio.
Personnel
André Santos
guitarAndré Santos: guitar; Ricardo Toscano: alto saxophone; Gianni Gagliardi: tenor saxophone (5); Joao Hasselberg: bass; Joao Pereira: drums; Joana Espadinha, Margarida Campelo: vocals (8).
Album information
Title: Ponto De Partida | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Tone Of A Pitch Records