Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Leo Genovese -Seeds (Palmetto 2013)

 In less than a decade’s time, Argentinian pianist Leonardo Genovese has already established a solid reputation as an instrumentalist and composer who is not afraid to explore the lesser known corners of the musical landscape. Genovese’s new album, Seeds showcases his ability to move effortlessly between the melodic and the chromatic and celebrate the inherent mystery and beauty in each. Since 2005, he has toured with Grammy winning bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding throughout the U.S., South American, Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Spalding returns the favor by providing vocals on numerous tracks on Seeds. In addition, she also assists with the songwriting on “Portuguese Mirror” one of the most satisfying tracks in the 11-song set. Genovese is also accompanied by his core trio of tenor saxophonist Dan Blake, acoustic bassist John Lockwood and drummer Bob Gulloti – a collective whom the keyboardist and bandleader affectionately refers to as the Chromatic Gauchos. The one song recorded separately from the other ten is the placid “Portuguese Mirror,” a piece co-written and sung by Spalding, with instrumental help from an alternate crew of players: tenor saxophonist George Garzone, electric guitarist Ricardo Vogt and drummer Francisco Mela. What starts out soothing works it way into a thundering crescendo that maximizes the potential of everyone in the studio.
Palmetto
    1. PPH   
    2. Father Of Spectralism   
    3. Left Hand Words   
    4. Our Historic Future   
    5. Los Ejes De Mi Carreta   
    6. Letter From Wayne   
    7. A Minor Complex   
    8. Let's Get High   
    9. Posterior Mode   
    10. Portuguese Mirror   
    11. Chromatic Hymn