Home »
Jazz Articles » Album Review » Marc Antoine: Madrid
Marc Antoine: Madrid
Marc Antoine is a gypsy guitarist, and this disc is evidence of his travels. "Sunland" sounds like a funky instrumental version of that old song, "If I Were a Carpenter, and You Were a Lady." Much more funk-based is the title track, "Madrid." "Dreamsicle" builds on a dreamy shimmer of synthesizer and Harmon-muted trumpet (courtesy of Rick Braun), while Delphine adds vocals just as dreamy. "Sarava" is playful and upbeat, and "Plaza Mayor" overlays Spanish licks on a cool funk base.
"Jazzenco" lives up to its title in being one of the more intriguing hybrids on the disc. Antoine splits his time between Los Angeles and Spain, and here they both are in strong relief. "Concache" is a brooding number that Antoine navigates with some especially reflective playing. "Amour Hispanic" builds on another deep funk groove (with eerie, whispery vocals); "Cabrillo" is an even deeper groove in which Antoine builds tension and interest by playing with special tenderness; "Rebecca's Waltz" is tender all the way through, and is an all-too-brief example of what Antoine can do when the rhythm and other machines are turned off.
Madrid is ample evidence of Antoine's talent and versatility. His mix of styles is intriguing, although the intrigue is muted by the rhythmic sameness of many of the tracks. Perhaps without such a smooth gloss this recording would have been lastingly valuable; as it is, it is both pleasant and promising.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Madrid
| Year Released: 1998
| Record Label: GRP Records
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
Go Ad Free!
To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to
future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by
making a donation today.