Dino Saluzzi: El Viejo Caminante

El Viejo Caminante is a natural and logical extension of Dino Saluzzi's Albores (ECM, 2020). On that solo album, the bandleader used his instrument (the bandoneon—an accordion-like instrument with origins in Germany) to mesmerize and during this companion piece/sequel, Saluzzi's interplay with his two bandmates is comparably hypnotizing.

As such, the album belies the translation of its title "The Old Wanderer." Understated as is the flow of energy on cuts such as "La Ciudad De Los Aires Buenos," the blend of instruments is gently insinuating, all the more so because of the relaxed pace of the musicians' interaction. That deceptively easygoing air renders the trio's attention to detail most impressive.

Accordingly, while the performance of "Northern Sun" begins in a pensive mood, the musicianship brightens almost imperceptibly as its approximately five and a half minutes-plus proceeds. Saluzzi, guitarists Jacob Young and Jose Maria Saluzzi share their respective instrumental textures with a flawless, intuitive spontaneity. There is no sense of strain as they play together.

And that is equally true whether the material at hand is original, like the bandleader's title song and Young's "Old House," or one of the two covers of standards ("Someday My Prince Will Come," "My One And Only Love"). Individually and collectively, the participants sound as captivated with the compositions as each other's playing.

Above all, however, these three musicians are comfortable with each other. Their intimacy captured in full at Saluzzi Music Studio, Buenos Aires in April 2023, it is thus only appropriate that a touch of tango so often associated with the bandoneon surfaces in "Dino Is Here;" on this compositional homage to the ninety-year old bandoneon master, the exchange of ideas is warm and affectionate all around and, like the eleven other selections surrounding it, the progression unfurls in a languorous manner, with no sense of hurry.

That said, the precise touch of the musicians on their instruments is unmistakable. Yet it remains softly enrapturing, even when Young's Telecaster guitar adds literal electricity to the mix on "Tiempos De Ausencias." The atmosphere becomes proportionately more evocative and, despite its haunting touch of melancholy, ultimately conjures an uplifting sensation, as is also the case during "Y Amo A Su Hermano."

Little wonder that, in the end, an endearing and prevailing gaiety radiates from El Viejo Caminante, its charm fully on par with its fundamental musicality.

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