Here’s an idea that could have been an absolute disaster, but ends up smelling like a rose. Percussionist Arturo Stable, who plays on this disc everything from Cajon, Conga’s and Djembe to a myriad of other things that go bump in the night, teams up with pianist Elio VillaFranca for ten wonderful duets that converse like friends at the local café’.
They take turns holding the conversation, with piano keys and percussion instruments weaving in and out in support and solo. The mood is mostly romantic and passionate, as on “1529” which has VillaFranca’s dark touch enunciating each note with great thought. “Alla” has a wistful glow, as Stable uses his hands as either accents or encouraging background to the melody. Sparks abound as well as on the exciting and dramatic “A Las Millas” while VillaFranca toys with the lower and deeper keys on the gurgling “Saghezi.” You’re really going to enjoy this clever conversation.
Motema Records