2013-02-25
For his third Resonance Records release, violinist Christian Howes decided to explore the music of South and Central America, thus the title of the release, Southern Exposure. Focusing primarily on the tango, Mr. Howes has enlisted the help of accordionist, Richard Galliano. Together, with a crackerjack team on piano, drums, and bass, they tackle both original compositions and covers with equal aplomb. The tango tracks here are good. In fact, "Heavy Tango", with its plunky flourishes is awesome. The straight-up jazz pieces, ("Ta Boa, Santa?"), have increased interest as well, simply due to the choice of instruments. With Southern Exposure, Christian Howes has succeeded in making a jazz album that is somewhat avant, yet easy to listen to. Rebecca Ruth
ETIENNE CHARLES
Kaiso
SHANNON BRYANT
Oceano
THE BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET
Classified
Eliana Cuevas
Espejo
Dr. John
N'Awlinz: Dis Dat or D'Udda
MeShell Ndegeocello
The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance of the Infidel
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