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The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle
Ben Thomas (US)
Label: Origin Records
Released: 2025
Views: 238
Tracks
The Promise of Morning; Sonia’s Mask; The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle; Eric’s Vals; Other Afternoons; An Unapologetic Shift of Perspective; Valley Shroud; The Second Brick.
Personnel
Ben Thomas (US)
bandoneonEric Likkel
clarinetSteve Schermer
bassLaura Coronel
violinElizabeth Phelps
violinGabe Hall-Rodrigues
pianoRead the The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle Liner Notes
Album Description
Rooted deep in the traditional rhythms of Argentine tango, yet fearlessly modern in spirit, multi-instrumentalist Ben Thomas’ compositions offer a rich tapestry of layered polyrhythms, inventive melodies, and surprising contrasts. Echoes of great bandoneon maestros like Dino Saluzzi, Astor Piazzolla and Osvaldo Pugliese may surface, but always refracted through Ben’s personal vision and the splendid accompaniment of his longtime bandmates, clarinetist Eric Likkel and bassist Steve Schermer, along with violinists Laura Coronel and Elizabeth Phelps, and pianist Gabe Hall-Rodrigues. The album’s title celebrates the memory of Seattle’s larger-than-life French chef, Thierry Rautureau—well known as The Chef in the Hat—whose thriving bistro “LUC” served as the incubator for much of this music over Thomas’ several years of performances there. “…strong rhythmic structures, flowing tempo changes, melancholy, exuberant happiness—a beautiful tango nuevo album!” - Jazz’N’More, Switzerland
Review
- The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle by Jack Bowers
Album uploaded by Evan Woodle
