Patricio Morales: La Tierra Canta

While rhythm is definitely king on La Tierra Canta ("The Earth Sings"), the fifth recording by Chilean-born composer, arranger and classical guitarist Patricio Morales, it must share the throne with various handsome and radiant melodic and harmonic designs employed by Morales and his international septet. If Morales' name is unfamiliar, that could be because he has spent the last twenty-five years living and working in Switzerland.

The playlist, Morales says, consists of nine "hand-picked themes" that were written years ago when he was only starting to compose and given new arrangements especially for this album. The songs are all Latin all the way, superbly performed by Morales and his colleagues on instruments that include, besides his guitar, a piano, accordion, mandolin and cavaquinho (a small Portuguese string instrument in the European guitar family). And of course, a rhythm section, this one in the capable hands of bassist Sebastian De Urquiza, drummer Rodrigo Recabarren and Brazilian percussionist Rogerio Boccato.

The album's title song and opener is a rhythmic and harmonic delight, marked by Morales' clever use of the mandolin and accordion to underscore its convivial rhythmic patterns. Persuasive percussion is front and center on the lively "Armando," as is Morales' lilting guitar and Vitor Gonçalves' piano (Goncalves doubles as accordionist). The tempo (but not the commitment) slows on the sauntering "Tale of Tales" (with Goncalves again shining on accordion), as is true on the haunting "Cancion Para Despedir a Emilia" and picturesque "Rural Reflections."

The accordion is showcased again on the limber and sunny "Papascal," and with Morales' guitar on the classical-tinged "4 de Diciembre" before "Realismo Magico" lends a touch of mystery and wonder to the proceedings and the ensemble flies home on the wings of Morales' seductive bossa nova, "Keep in Touch." In sum, a delicious banquet of Latin-centered music served with warmth and panache by Morales' admirable septet.