Richard Galliano Quartet featuring Gary Burton
If You Love Me
Cam Jazz
By George W. Harris

I must admit to finding most of the music by “Nuevo tango” composer Astor Piazzolla to be a bit too jarring, and lack the lilt of classical tango music by the likes of Carlos Gardel. What a pleasant surprise to find that accordionist Richardo Galliano has put together a sublime and unapologetically romantic collection of Piazzolla’s tangos that captures both the essence of modern complexity, but with the soul of the Bohemian Quarter. The first rate quartet features not only vibist Gary Burton, but bassist George Mraz and Clarence Penn, who create subtle and charming music that melds the mood of gypsy street music with late night jazz club improvisation. Songs as diverse as Bach’s “Sinfonia 11” and Bill Evan’ “Waltz for Debby” sound perfectly at home with Burton’s supple chimes bouncing over Galliano’s molten chords. As subtle as vintage MJQ, but with Galliano’s added Mediterranean allure , this is a disc that will charm your socks off.