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Julian Arguelles: Tonadas
ByWhile Argüelles is a talented multi-instrumentalist (all four saxophones plus other instruments including flute and clarinet) here he chose to concentrate on soprano and tenor. Tonadas (meaning "tunes" in Spanish) is an album reflecting Argüelles's Iberian roots. The rhythmically off-kilter opening to "Alalá" gives way to Argüelles's muscular tenor saxophone and vibrant piano from Neame. The gentle "Alfama" is adorned by soprano saxophone weaving in and out of piano lines, with bass and drums subtly anchoring the number. A staccato bass pattern introduces "Bulerías," a feistier piece than its predecessor, with Argüelles's on tenor here.
The languid "Tonadilla" (little tune) is led by bass and piano with Argüelles joining on lissome soprano; "elegant" hardly does it justice. Meanwhile, "Barrio Gótico" (Gothic Quarter) is a sprightly piece as is the ensuing "Alegrías" on which Argüelles's soprano exudes the happiness indicated by its title. "Sevilla" is a complex, labyrinthine tune, the twists and turns tightly followed by the quartet; Argüelles's tenor here is mesmerically compelling. "Tía Mercedes" (Aunt Mercedes) is a slow, slightly lugubrious number with Argüelles's soprano plaintively carving out the melody. Whilst the inspiration for the album is all things Spanish, the music doesn't seek to emulate, say, Miles Davis's classic Sketches Of Spain; the tracks, all originals, mirror the composer's eclectic proclivities. More importantly, the album engages the listener at every level.
Track Listing
Alala 1 Alfama 2 Bulerias 3 Tonadilla 4 Barrio Gotico 5 Alegrias 6 Sevilla 7 Tia Mercedes 8
Personnel
Julian Arguelles
saxophoneJulian Argüelles Tenor and Soprano saxophones, percussion Ivo Neame piano Sam Lasserson double bass James Maddren drums, percussion
Album information
Title: Tonadas | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Edition Records
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About Julian Arguelles
Instrument: Saxophone
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