Joe Chindamo
Duende: The Romantic Project
(Jazzhead/MGM)
***1/2
The word duende from Spanish is difficult to define, but for Melbourne pianist Joe Chindamo it means ‘the quality of passion and inspiration,’ and this album encompasses emotional qualities ranging from melancholy to elation.
Recorded live at the Melbourne Jazz Festival 2007, Chindamo’s group includes guitarist Doug DeVries, violinist Nigel MacLean and bassist Sam Anning playing mostly Chindamo’s compositions and his arrangements of Latino and light classical pieces.
Partly due to the absence of drums the album overall has a restful feel with a track like The Bermuda Tango sounding as nostalgic as a palm court in Buenos Aires circa 1948.
Amongst many differing moods Chindamo is able to inject jazz influences, aspects of tango and tarantella, and in E Lucevan Le Stelle, Italian Opera.
Guitar and volin are spiritually aligned with the piano, and acoustic bass provides both foundation and some inspired solos.
Perfect music for a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
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This review first appeared in The Weekend Australian and is republished with permission.
