Artist and genre is a winning couple which always creates results that are extraordinary. Here some examples: Jobim Bossa Nova / Casadei Ballroom / Strauss Viennese Waltz / Piazzolla Nuevo Tango / De Lucía Flamenco, and so on. The couple, which in this case still emerging, consists of the Argentine accordionist Chango Spasiuk and his Chamamé. This music is born in the borderland between the north of Argentina and the south of Brazil. This music has got an important element, from our point of view, given that the main instrument is accordion. It draws its inspiration from a country in which nature still keeps its strong power with forests, rivers and waterfalls. Coincedentally, the booklet on the CD back sleeve has a picture showing a cart carrying wood, towed by a couple of oxen. Chango's accordion music in this CD is accompanied by violin, bass and percussion. In the CD booklet are some notes whereby the artist is compared to Piazzolla, his fellow countrymen. The two's greatness is not being compared, but rather, their effort to carry out the same kind of style; Piazzolla mixing traditional tango with jazz raised this dance music to art music and so in "The Charme of Chamamé", Spasiuk wishes to do the same. Keeping in mind the similarities of Spasiuk to Piazzolla, I find there are some important differences between the two: Piazzolla blended much more than tango and jazz (very strong elements of classical music aren't to be forgotten, starting from his studies with Ginastera and, above all, with Nadia Boulanger, goin on with elements of contrapuntal writing, elements gathered from contemporary music of the 20th century), and he obtained a highly 'Urban' music; Spasiuk's music is absolutely 'rural.' The unquestionable validity of Spasiuk's musical plans has spurned great results. This CD gives listeners an enjoyable taste of rural flavour that has been achieved with such mastery and care that is evident throughout the CD. Don't miss track 19; a very sweet piece sung by Mercedes Sosa! Reviewed by Paolo Picchio. |
