Sunday Music Muse Day - Dino Saluzzi and Anja Lechner, Al Di Meola

On this heavy hearted Sunday Muse Day, The mellow nature of my selections are comforting background music.  First up, Dino Saluzzi and Anja Lechner Ojos Negros (Black Eyes) is an 2007 ECM release featuring Saluzzi on bandoneon, (The bandoneon is a type of concertina particularly popular in Argentina and Uruguay. It is a typical instrument in most tango ensembles. Wikipedia), and Lechner on the violoncello (The cello or violoncello is a bowed string instrument of the violin family. Its four strings are usually tuned in perfect fifths: from low to high, C₂, G₂, D₃ and A₃. The viola's four strings are each an octave higher. Wikipedia). Yes, I had to google both of their instruments to make sure I got them right.  I love the old world sound of the bandoneon.  I have other recordings by Dino Saluzzi  and he is featured on my second selection.

My second selection is Al Di Meola World Sinfonia Heart of the Immigrants, a Mesa 1993 release. This is Di Meola's mostly  acoustic ensemble that "incorporates South American, Spanish, and Middle Eastern elements, and makes Argentine tango a very high priority" - reviewer, Alex Henderson, All Music website.  This is a music direction Di Meola pursued in his solo career after leaving Chick Corea's Return to Forever.  Dino Saluzzi plays Bandoneon on this CD.  This is fine example of the universal appeal of world music. Worth giving it a listen. 

Again, my heavy heart is lifted by the comfort music on these CDs.  I hope others can find solace in music, too.

Sunday Music Muse Day - John McLaughlin, Dino Saluzzi, and Turtle Island String Quartet

For today's Sunday Music Muse Day I liked to present a eclectic sampling of CDs starting with a true favorite artist of mine, John McLaughlin.  Instead of his usual high-powered fusion setting I picked a CD showing his vest talent in a different way with John McLaughlin Concerto for Guitar & Orchestra "The Mediterranean" with the London Symphony Orchestra, with MIchael Tilson Thomas conducting.  Plus, Duos for Guitar & Piano, with Katia Labeque on piano.  This is actually the second project Mclaughlin has performed with  Thomas and the London Symphony Orchestra, the first being John Mclaughlin Mahavishnu Orchestra Album "Apocalypse" back in 1974.  It was  performed with the second line-up of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, with Gayle Moran, keyboards and vocals, Jean Luc-Pont, electric violin and Baritone violin, Ralphe Armstrong, Bass guitar and vocals, Narada Michael Walden, drums, percussions and vocals, and of course, John Mclaughlin on guitar and vocal composer.

The second pick is "Rios" by Dion Saluzzi, Anthony Cox, and David Friedman.  I must admit this is one of those CD I picked mainly for the cover art.  I've heard Dino Saluzzi play on several projects with Al DiMeola, so it wasn't a total shot in the dark.  It's nice to heard different instruments exploring world music for change of pace.  The combination of bandoneon, marimba, vibraphone, and bass has a Old World favor, but is very hauntingly timeless in a way.

My third selection is perhaps straddles the Classical / New Age catagories.  The Turtle island String Quartet "Skylife" CD.  There are no strictly classical tunes on the CD, the two that were most known to me were "Senor Mouse" by Chick Corea, and "Crossroads", by famed bluesman Robert Johnson.  A tune most remember from Cream (Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, & Jack Bruce)  Wheels of Fire album. They have a full CD of Jimi Hendrix covers also, but I haven't picked that up yet.

Turtle Island String Quartet is worth checking out, as are this week's other picks.  Enjoy.