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Sir Sultry Quintet: Soleangeles
ByMargolis proves a most worthy enigmatic frontman on vocals and guitar but Katisse Buckingham on flute and saxophone is an equally important musical voice throughout. Her flute opens "The Fool" in a fluttering dance with percussion, a dance that's picked up by Margolis' strumming as acoustic guitar and flute share a beautiful, conversational interlude. ("Reprising the Fool" wraps up acoustic piano in harmonizing organ chords.) "Niebla" also builds up from percussion and Buckingham's flute, a beacon that illuminates Margolis' quicksilver guitar, the charmingly conversant bass and drum rhythm section and other instrumentation.
Buckingham turns to saxophone for her duet/dance with Margolis' guitar in "La Referencia" and their mutual ruffles and flourishes seem to merge flamenco and jazz into a singular style, especially as the rhythm section (drums in particular) help them build this tune's crescendo. Margolis' guitar playing in "La Referencia" is no less than brilliant: Its sound almost glows, bright and sharp yet warm and emotionala musician using exemplary technique to let his soul shine through.
From its openingcascading guitar lines intertwining with piano, through its middle passage where strings accent their beauty, to its closing celebratory and quite jazzy jamthis title track is just as low-key and stunning.
Margolis evidently programmed Soleángeles while he was very hungry: It opens with a warning to eat your food "Before It Gets Cold," acoustic and percussive funk that sounds not quite completely put together and yet purposeful and tight; and circles back to this beginning with the dark, closing curveball "Eating Out." But in between these bookends, it is lush and gorgeous and thoroughly satisfying.
Other guests visiting Soleángeles include Mitchel Forman (Wayne Shorter, Mahavishnu Orchestra) on piano, organ, keyboards and synthesizers; bassist Hussain Jiffry (Sergio Mendes, Herb Alpert); and drummer Jimmy Branly (Chucho Valdez, Pancho Sanchez).
Track Listing
Before It Gets Cold; The Fool; La Referencia; Hermanos; Love Bubbles; Soleángeles; Niebla; Reprising the Fool; Smile at Life; Eating Out.
Personnel
Ethan Margolis: guitars, vocals, palmas; Katisse Buckingham: flute, saxophone, beatbox; Hussain Jiffry: bass; Mitch Forman: piano, organ, Rhodes, synthesizer; Chris Wabich: drums; Walter Rodriguez: drums; Jimmy Branly: drums; Joey Heredia: drums; Anabel Valencia: vocals; Juan Bacán: vocals; Judith Hill: vocals; Antonio Malena: jaleos; Los Lebrijanos: jaleos; Luis de la Tota: jaleos, nudillos, palmas; Ramón Porrina: cajón.
Album information
Title: Soleangeles | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Self Produced