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RICHARD GALLIANO Paris Concert CAM Jazz PRM 7823-2

1. Chat Pitre
2. Gnossienne No. 1
3. Gnossienne No. 2
4. Sertao
5. Sheng
6. Bagatelle
7. La Javanaise
8. Caruso
9. New York Tango.
10. Round Midnight
11. Oblivion
12. Aria

Richard Galliano - Accordion

 

As a jazz reviewer, I tend to prefer Richard Galliano when he is playing alongside jazz musicians, but I still love his solo concerts. His brilliant accordion playing embraces elements of jazz as well as the expected French tinge and exotica from South America and elsewhere. You hardly notice the absence of a rhythm section, as Galliano embodies his own rhythm section, conjuring up a huge variety of rhythms from every aspect of the accordion. Sertao is a fine example of this, with all the resources of the instrument employed to elicit a wide range of rhythmic sounds to back up his busy right hand.

Sertao is just one of six Galliano compositions on this CD, recorded in March 2009 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. His Chat Pitre and New York Tango are perennials in his repertoire - and both tunes are spirited pieces which display Richard's vivacious style as well as his technical virtuosity. Sheng is a short, mercurial number which dances about at the top of the accordion. Bagatelle starts more seriously but segues into a brief waltz. Aria is a melody that sings to the listener with the emotional power of an organ chorale.

The programme also includes Erik Satie's first and second Gnossiennes. The first of these is well-known: a tune with an oriental air. The second is less familiar but still as hauntingly enigmatic as the word Gnossienne (invented by Satie himself and still of uncertain meaning). La Javanaise was written by Serge Gainsbourg and it exemplifies the alluring French accordion style which I tend to think of as "Sous les ponts de Paris".

Lucio Dalla's Caruso is almost operatic in its intense melismas, with Galliano concentrating at the highly expressive top end of the accordion. The only jazz standard on the disc is Thelonious Monk's Round Midnight, to which Richard imparts a suitably late-night yet fervent feeling. Oblivion is by Astor Piazzolla and Richard Galliano gives it a mystic atmosphere as well as necessary touches of the Argentinian tango.

Lasting barely 43 minutes (including audience applause), this CD might be thought to offer short change, but the richness of the music is enough to fill several albums. Do yourself a favour: get to know Richard Galliano.

Tony Augarde

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