Wintertheme - Amsterdam String Trio

Advantages: A development of their distinctive sound without losing the magic of their first album
Disadvantages: Definitely not to everyone's taste

...The second album from Argentine/Parisian nuevo tango pioneers Gotan Project is a much more fully rounded recording and an easier listen than their first outing, La Revencha Del Tango. The first album established their iconic sound, mixing traditional tango melodies played on accordions with dub beats and new production techniques. This takes it a step further and we see that there really is more to this trio, tracks such as "La Viguela" (a type of Chilean string instrument) feature a bizarre juxtaposition of beautifully smooth acoustic guitar work with weird processed vocals, yet somehow it works. The French influence has clearly become stronger and this is most evident on the haunting "Celos" which conjurs up images of a wartime jazz quintet playing in a smoke filled basement in Paris. For me however, the highlight is the final track... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Joyfull, Tunefull
Disadvantages: Stupid hidden track

...Good news for all those smitten by the North Carolina trio†s debut: this follow-up is even better. Not since the early days of XTC has so much joyful tunefulness, pent-up energy and clever wordplay been combined to such irresistible effect. No difficult… second album here: there are more ambitious constructions longer (and shorter) songs, neat inventive touches and occasional strings alongside the close harmonies, great pop hooks, uplifting snazziness and driving piano. The dippy love song Kate and the live favourite Stephen†s Last Night In Town apart, the topics are notably more downbeat disintegrating relationships, loneliness, grief, cynicism with an articulate mix of honesty and vulnerability in the slower songs. Smoke, with its original idea (burning the book of love) and breathtaking punchline, deserves special... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unusual but effective instrumentation
Disadvantages: Just needs some standout moments

...For this CD John Surman teams up with bassist Chris Laurence, a longterm collaborator and an instinctive choice, and Trans4Mation, a string quartet specially assembled for the occasion, to produce some imaginative music which will appeal to those followers of jazz and 20th/21st century classical music who think the dichotomy between the composed and the improvised is a false one. In a long and varied career Surman has - among other engagements - played saxes and clarinets as a soloist with the Mike gibbs and Mike Westbrook orchestras, developed the use of electronics in the trio SOS, extended the boundaries of jazz singing with his wife Karin Krog, and also produced his own series of albums, mainly for ECM. A feature of a lot of this music has been the infusion of calm pastoral elements into the jazz framework, and this is firmly... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful