Carlos Franzetti/Allison Brewster Franzetti
Alborada
www.carlosfranzetti.com/www.cdbaby.com
By George W. Harris

Sometimes, a recording just hits everything right; this is one of them.
The husband and wife team of pianists Carlos and Allison Franzetti make
a trio recording with Robert Balzar/g and George Slavicek/dr. So far,
it’s a lovely collection of romantic originals. But the kicker is the
addition of the City Of Prague Philharmonic, which adds textures,
framework and shadings on the nine songs, creating a wondrous and
spectacular mixings of moods and emotions.

Some of the tunes, like “Mombasa” have a luxurious South American lilt
and sway, while others like “Pasacaglia” hearkens to traditional
classical, but with a more Mediterranean gallop. Some straight-ahead
jazz is displayed on the dreamy ballad “Song Without Words” which
spotlights Franzetti’s piano talents, while “Serenata” combines baroque
counterpoint with Cuban energy. There is simply not a nanosecond of
anything below the highest level of inspiration here. It re-energizes
your hope in the excitement and joy of jazz.