Search - Riccardo Tesi, Banditaliana :: Thapsos

Amazing - a "must have".

Gertrude Bertz | 07/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this group playing live in Riva de Garda (Northern Italy) purely by chance, and was immediately hooked - it's hard to find the words to do justice to their wonderful album. An amazing fusion of Tuscan themes, African beats and Celtic flavours is interspersed with dazzling improvisations and beautiful harmonies. Riccardo Tesi, an important exponent of the diatonic accordion and already an established presence on the world music scene, is the principal writer of the 15 tracks included here. But this CD is very much a collaboration, with contributions of an exceptional quality from a number of players. The spine-tingling sound of Tesi's accordion weaving a close harmony with the soprano sax of Claudio Carboni is used to great effect on Scirocco, Penombre and other tracks. Maurizio Geri provides the pleasing, measured vocal lines and inspired improvisation on accoustic guitar. Ettore Bonafe is the percussionist, who, as well as playing tabla and drumkit with his bare hands, captivates with a beautiful lullaby on the vibraphone (Sogno di Valzer). At times energetic, frequently poignant, always exquisitely melodic, you simply must buy this album."