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Danilo Rea: A Tribute To Fabrizio De André
ByDe André was an extremely popular and, at times, controversial figure in Italy. Although his work was mainly rooted in a contemporary folk idiom, De André often performed with large groups, and also recorded with Italian progressive rockers Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM). De André's lyrics, and a vocal style, reminiscent of Belgium's Jacques Brel or England's Jake Thackray, created a tremendous sense of narrative in his songs. Rea only has the music to work with, but his interpretations are beautifully observed and communicate the emotions and images of De André's stories.
"Bocca de Rosa," which opens the album, has a distinctly classical feel both in its melody and in Rea's performance. However, it is Rea's jazz sensibility that dominates, as exemplified on his version of De André's "Il Pescatore," with its freewheeling twists and turns that weave in and out of the melody line, and on "Carlo Martello," which moves from the original melody into funky and percussive passages with a free, improvisational feel. "Girotondo" opens with a short and simple folk-style introduction, before Rea takes it into more complex, fractured, jazz territory.
Both of Rea's own compositions are impressive. "Oona" is an exquisitely melodic ballad which segues into Joaquin Rodrigo Vidre's "Caro Amore." "Highlands" is a more somber and contemplative piece that evokes the space and loneliness hinted at in its title.
The sound quality on A Tribute To Fabrizio De André, recorded at Schloss Elmau in Germany, is superb. Every note Rea plays is crystal clear and resonant. Rea's performance combines technical excellence and a strong emotional connection with the tunes and demonstrates the strength of his own compositions, as well as De André's. A Tribute To Fabrizio De André is a memorable recording and one of the finest solo piano albums to grace the jazz world for some time.
Track Listing
Bocca di Rosa; Oona/Caro Amore; Il Pescatore; Ave Maria; La Ballata dell'amore Cieco; La Stagione del Tuo Amore; Girotondo; La Canzone di Marinella; Highlands; Carlo Martello; Valzer per un Amore.
Personnel
Danilo Rea
pianoDanilo Rea: piano.
Album information
Title: A Tribute To Fabrizio De André | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: ACT Music
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