South American, North American or Caribbean…grab an instrument and swing!
Marco Pignataro plays tenor and soprano sax on this lyrical album of mostly originals with Adam Cruz/dr, Alan Pasqua/p, Eddie Gomez/b and guest George Garzone/ts. The two sax combo works well with the leader’s soprano and Garzone’s tenor during the dramatic Mediterranean “Panarea” while the mix of market voices team with the horns for a richly mooed “Voce e’ Notte.” A sweet rendition of “Samba Em Preludio” has the horns pleading along with graceful piano and bass as well. In a quartet setting, Pignataro’s tenoris eleganct on “Song For Lucy” and Pasqua agonizes on the meditative “Otranto.” Lots of rich emotions floating over the red sunset here.
Guitarist Sergio Pereira mixes acoustic and electrig guitar moods on this swaying album with a large guest list including Ales Cesarini/b, Baptiste Baillyu/p, Ales Cesarini/b and a collection of horns, strings, percussion and adventures. Gabriel Grossi’s harmonica adds to the sensuous bossa “Lasca Stare” and charging “Sambinha” with Pereira supplying the Brazilian heartbeat. Classical strings are stroked on “Greta” and the exciting title track, while vocalists Paula Santoro, Sergio Santos, Viktorija Pilatovic and rapper Devin Malloy get things upbeat on a charging “Down South.” Optimistic strings, whether plugged in or in a folk mood.