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Leonardo E. M. Cioglia: Contos
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Cioglia balances out the affair with largely, memorable compositions. The artist projects a mindset, awash with symmetrical motifs amid the ensemble's sympathetic phrasings and astutely executed dynamics. They fuse notions of lament with a few episodes where fire and ice provide the contrapuntal punch. With rising guitar star Mike Moreno's dark-toned and fluent electric lines, the music is often embellished within a shroud of intrigue. Yet it's a democratic engagement marked with finesse and muscle
Moreno and saxophonist John Ellis' interweaving unison lines on "Santa Maria," are underscored by the rhythm section's soft pulse, where imagery of a gentle breeze amid scenic panoramas comes to fruition. Then on "Pontos Cardeais," Ellis hits a sweet spot with his sublime soprano sax choruses, steering the band into up-tempo soloing ventures and multidirectional storylines. In various measures, the ensemble opens it up, although matters never go awry, as solos by pianist Aaron Goldberg and vibraphonist Stefon Harris often provide coloration and polytonal enhancements to Cioglia's persuasive comps. Overall, Contos stands as a prominent musical highlight for 2008. Simply stated, it's music that makes a noticeable difference.
Track Listing
Contos (Do Neco); Santa Maria; Filhos do Pequi; Aroma de Mel; Planalto Central; Pontos Cardeais; Olhos D
Personnel
Leonardo Cioglia
bassJohn Ellis: tenor saxophone (1-3, 5, 7, 9), soprano saxophone (4, 10); Mike Moreno: electric guitar (1-6, 9, 10), acoustic and steel string guitar (7, 8); Stefon Harris: vibraphone (2, 7-9), marimba (6, 8); Aaron Goldberg: acoustic piano (1-6, 9, 10); Leonardo Cioglia: acoustic bass; Antonio Sanchez: drums; Orquestra Fantasma (John Ellis): flutes, clarinet and bass clarinet (10).
Album information
Title: Contos | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Quizamba Music