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MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS (JAN6)

Andy Sheppard
Movements In Color
ECM

Eleni Karaindrou
Dust In Time
ECM
www.ecmrecords.com
By George W. Harris

Here are a pair of recent releases by ECM that are heavy into mood and atmosphere, and all the better for it.

Andy Sheppard is best known for his work on the tenor and soprano with Carla Bley’s band. Here, out on his own, he’s put together a gloriously pensive an introspective piece that is as delicate and dainty as a hand made doily. Supported by John Parricelli/g, Elvind Aarset/g-elec, Arild Anderson/doublebass, and Kuljet Bhamra/perc-table, Sheppard emphasizes nuanced rhythms with poignant effects. His breathy and Byased tenor oozes on the gentle “Ballarina” and “Bing.” A couple assertive and edgy tunes feature some electric guitar work, most notably on “International Blues,” but the emphasis is on sepia-toned scenes, and the impressionist brushes work well.

There is Greek music that you hear in the local restaurants, with blond belly dancers, and there is the stuff you hear at local Greek Church picnics. That’s what most people are used to. This recording captures an overlooked niche of the Greek culture, namely soundtracks from films. In this case, the movie was Theo Angelopoulos’ “Dust Of Time”, which was composed by Eleni Karaindrou. The music is filled with gently mourning vistas and agonizing melodies. After all, we Greeks invented The Tragedy! The orchestra conducted by Alexandros Myrat has gorgeous passages that feature Sergio Nastasi’s violin, Renato Ripo’s cell and Vangelis Christopoulos’ oboe mixed in like delicate spring waters trickling down the Samara gorge. The haunting melodies capture emotions of anguish, regret mournfulness, almost being liturgical in their passion. This is not the dancing Greek, but the one sitting in a tavern with his head in his hands, sipping his frappe. Great pensive music.