D-Stringz - PONTY/CLARKE/LAGRENE CD

Unalloyed felicity is the best way to describe D-STRINGZ, the new disc by the cooperative trio violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, bassist Stanley Clarke, and guitarist Birli Lagrne. These three distinctive titans consolidate their singular voices while exploring vast stylistic idioms within jazzs expansive realm, resulting in a cohesive sound that plays to the strength of each individuals virtuosity and more importantly their keen sense of musical interactivity.Additional Info: Decades into his career, Alejandro Sanz has experimented with such a dizzying array of styles it's difficult to keep track of them. That said, his musical restlessness knows no bounds on Sirope. Over 13 tracks he delves into pop and folk traditions, stitching everything from funk and cumbia to rock, soul, and reggae -- and of course flamenco -- into sonic landscapes governed by his passionate Andalusian voice. His skill as a songwriter and arranger is balanced by his keen ear as a producer. Sanz demoed and charted everything in his home studio, bringing in co-producer Sebasti?n Krys (who mixed 2012's La M?sica No Se Toca) when it was time to begin recording. Despite modern production, the set has a very analog sound. Everything from loops to strings were recorded and engineered with warmth and immediacy. No matter what else appears in this mix, acoustic guitars are as present as his voice. First single "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is understandably a ballad -- it's the man's trademark, after all. But as he weaves together a lithe, romantic melody, it takes on cinematic scope because of its smart instrumentation. Nylon-string guitars and piano are adorned with dramatic strings, well-placed, subtle loops and ambient effects, shuffling snares, and a bumping bassline. "Un Zombie a la Intemperie" is in marked contrast with the steamy opener "A M? No Me Importa," which weds reggae and cumbia with funky electric piano, horn vamps, dubwise bass, soaring souled-out female backing vocals, and a spiny electric guitar break. "Pero T?" uses phrases from "Pachelbel's Canon" in a frame of jazzy pop, modern soul, and Andalusian folk. One can hear traces of Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Julius Cheeks in the gritty, funky gospel rock of "La Guarida del Calor," with great breaks by drummer Pete Thomas and rumbling bass by Davey Faragher. That wild, unhinged gospel-infused R&B gets rubbed against hard-grooving nuevo flamenco on "T? la Necesitas." "Todo Huela a Ti" is a breezy pop/rocker, with a shimmering beat and soul guitars. "La Vida Que Respira" is a breathtaking innovation on modern flamenco. Illustrated with tough loops and layers of acoustic and electric guitars, the bridge breaks with the form as a multi-voice chorus, strings, and an electric piano -- playing Afro-Latin montunos -- swoop in from the margins. "Suena la Pelota" is a glorious, uplifting duet with Juan Luis Guerra. It's an uplifting paean to self-forgiveness and acceptance. It's followed by the amazing midtempo ballad "A Que No Me Dejas," whose mariachi horn break is priceless. Initially, Sirope might be jarring for some listeners. Though polished, it contains no sheen. It is not a common exercise in pop fusion, but the vision of an artist who understands the roots of every style and tradition he employs. With Sirope, Sanz takes his fans further out onto his ledge than ever and rewards them abundantly for the journey. While refusing to compromise, he has -- again -- expanded Latin pop's reach. ~ Thom Jurek

Specifics

  • Album: D-Stringz
  • Artist: PONTY/CLARKE/LAGRENE
  • Label: IMPORTS
  • Genre: Jazz, Pop
  • MPN: 473 842-9
Tracklist

1. Stretch
Composed By – Biréli Lagrène
Composed By – Biréli Lagrène
2. To And Fro
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
3. Too Young To Go Steady
Composed By – Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics By – Harold Adamson
Composed By – Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics By – Harold Adamson
4. Bit Of Burd
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
5. Nuages
Composed By – Django Reinhardt
Composed By – Django Reinhardt
6. Childhood Memories (Souvenirs D'Enfance)
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
Composed By – Jean-Luc Ponty
7. Blue Train
Composed By – John Coltrane
Composed By – John Coltrane
8. Paradigm Shift
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
Composed By – Stanley Clarke
9. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
Composed By – Joe Zawinul
Composed By – Joe Zawinul

(CD-602547384294)

SKU CD-602547384294
Barcode # 602547384294
Brand IMPORTS
Shipping Weight 0.0970kg
Shipping Width 0.130m
Shipping Height 0.010m
Shipping Length 0.140m

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