Gallianissimo

Gallianissimo

ASIN: B00005J6Z1

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
By showing him off in smartly varied settings, this pleasing collection serves both committed fans of French accordionist Richard Galliano and those unfamiliar with his work. An internationalist whose primary sources are French and Italian musette, Argentine legend Astor Piazzolla's new tango, and all manner of American jazz, Galliano moves commandingly among styles without compromising his highly developed sound. He trades licks with Django Reinhardt-molded guitarist Bireli Lagrene, settles into waltz time with Belgian harmonica cat Toots Thielemans, thrives in piano-based groups, and luxuriates in the string arrangements of the Solisti dell'Orchestra della Toscana. Boosted by European and American rhythm players, including bassists George Mraz, Palle Danielsson, and Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark, and drummers Al Foster, Joey Baron, and Daniel Humair, Galliano deftly tempers his attack to suit his surroundings. Seldom has an accordionist played with greater heat than Galliano, who suggests an unlikely debt to John Coltrane's storied "sheets of sound" with his voracious piling on of notes. There's plenty of French charm in his playing, but never at the cost of high adventure. --Lloyd Sachs

Tracks:

New York Tango
Laurita
Waltz For Nicky
Invierno Porteno (Titre Inedit Live)
J.F.
Caruso
Fou Rire
La Valse A Margaux
Giselle
Viaggio
Spleen
Tango Pour Claude
La Javanaise
Loe, Estante Num Instante
Oblivion

Amazon.com

By showing him off in smartly varied settings, this pleasing collection serves both committed fans of French accordionist Richard Galliano and those unfamiliar with his work. An internationalist whose primary sources are French and Italian musette, Argentine legend Astor Piazzolla's new tango, and all manner of American jazz, Galliano moves commandingly among styles without compromising his highly developed sound. He trades licks with Django Reinhardt-molded guitarist Bireli Lagrene, settles into waltz time with Belgian harmonica cat Toots Thielemans, thrives in piano-based groups, and luxuriates in the string arrangements of the Solisti dell'Orchestra della Toscana. Boosted by European and American rhythm players, including bassists George Mraz, Palle Danielsson, and Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark, and drummers Al Foster, Joey Baron, and Daniel Humair, Galliano deftly tempers his attack to suit his surroundings. Seldom has an accordionist played with greater heat than Galliano, who suggests an unlikely debt to John Coltrane's storied "sheets of sound" with his voracious piling on of notes. There's plenty of French charm in his playing, but never at the cost of high adventure. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Overview.......2004-08-05

My interest in the music of Richard Galliano dates back several years to when I responded to a recommendation of one of his albums on this site. That recommendation came to me based on my purchases of quite a few Astor Piazzolla CDs. I bought Passatori just to give Galliano a shot and the rest, as they say, is history. Several years later and many RG CDs since then, I picked this one up so as to have a quick fix of some of his best tunes and to introduce friends to Galliano's musical talents.
I agree with the industry reviewer. Gallianissimo is an excellent overview of his career, covering a lot of ground from tango to jazz and many styles in between. Galliano proves here that he is not a one trick pony, not a Piazzolla clone, but an incredibly talented musician with ideas and a direction all his own. Those interested need only to hear for themselves the sheer elegance and virtuosity of Galliano's play to be convinced.
Its hard to pick favorites here, but if pressed I'd choose the romantic Laurita, the jazzy Waltz For Nicky, the stunning Invierno Porteno, the jumping Fou Rire, the sleek La Valse A Margaux, the driving and frenetic Viaggio, Tango Pour Claude, and the cover of the melancholy Piazzolla masterwork, Oblivion.
I recommend this CD highly not only to newcomers to Galliano's music, but also to those who have already heard a few of his albums. You will be astounded at the breadth of his talent and you will find your money well spent.

Bravo Galliano!.......2001-07-13

Finally, after a solo career that spans over almost 20 years and almost the same number of albums, Richard Galliano gets the obligatory "best of" collection. The producers of this album have taken upon themselves a mighty task - trying to pick a handful of pieces which would represent Galliano's ventures into Jazz, Classical & traditional French music. This is no easy task, but judging by the titles, they've certainly made an excellent job.

For those who do not know Galliano, his music is a rare mixture between Gershwin and Piazzolla - a brilliant jazz player with endless curiosity and ability. Although a Galliano album would, usually, consist of mostly of his own creations, he enjoys playing other jazz composer's material. This is evident here as well, with the obligatory Piazzolla composition (Inverno Porteno) and a great rendition of Hermeto Pascoal's "Leo, Estante Num Instante". Both should give you a glimpse of who Galliano really is - always a student of the great jazz masters, but at the same time, a true musical genius, who never fails to amaze us with original interpretations of his own music, as well as of fellow compositors.

Tracks:

New York Tango
Laurita
Waltz for Nicky
Invierno Porten#]
J.F.
Caruso
Fou Rire
Valse Margaux - Richard Galliano,
Giselle
Viaggio
Spleen
Tango Pour Claude
Javanaise
Leo, Estante Noum Instante
Oblivion

Album Details

24bit digitally remastered.

Jazz Music:

Jazz Music

Jazz Music