Label:
O+
Distribution
in Scandinavia: Naxos
This record
does not leave me alone, but wants to get played constantly! And it is far too
simple to just put the label latin jazz on this rich music. It brings you into
a world full of rhythms and arrangements, without even one single boring or
uninteresting note. Elements from Caribbean and Latinamerican musical styles,
such as beguine and Gwo-ka, and also jazz, fusion and whatever other labels you
can find and tear into little colourful paper fragments and mix in a big bowl…
Mario
Canonge is a pianist from Martinique who, after various fusion groups in the
late 80’s, the best-known being Ultramarine and Sixun, started a solo career
that has made him well-known in France and the Caribbean. He is backed by his
compatriot Michel Alibo on bass and Mexican drummer Antonio Sanchez, who also
plays with, among others, Paquito D’Rivera and Pat Metheny. This sounds
exquisite already as a trio, with tight interplay and an input on an incredibly
high level from the musicians. As a bonus we get guest artists such as Roy
Hargrove (trumpet), Jacques Schwarz-Bart (sax) and guest vocalists Gino Sitson
and Richard Bona, plus a few percussionists. Everything is kept together by
Mario Canonge’s rhythmic and clear piano playing.
Annika Westman
Review published
in Lira Music Magazine, Sweden, April 2006 (www.lira.se
)