Artist: LEE RITENOUR/ DAVE GRUSIN
Album: AMPARO (CD)

Year: 2008
Media type: CD

Eight years ago the guitarist and pianist collaborated on a Grammy-nominated album, Two Worlds. The idea is provide some new arrangements of various classical works as well as some originals, with the guitar and piano often in the forefront as solo instruments. South American music had a strong input to the mix. The list of guest artists on some of the tracks is most impressive.

The CD opens with three Latin American Dances by Grusin - each dealing with a traditional dance form from South America. The original form of the work was for a trio of violin, cello and piano - now arranged for guitar, piano and chamber orchestra. Faure’s familiar Pavane gets a sublime treatment featuring both soprano Renee Fleming and violinist Joshua Bell. Another gorgeous French selection is the setting of Ravel’s Beauty and the Beast music from his Mother Goose Suite. The album’s title comes from a Jobim song also known as Olha Maria, but here the usual vocal part is beautifully taken by violinist Bell. The highlight of the CD for me is the setting of what I feel to be the No. 1 Baroque theme of them all - Albinoni’s Adagio in G Minor. Chris Botti’s trumpet soars over the accompaniment of the guitar and piano together with the orchestra.

TRACKLIST:

1. I. Tango en Parque Central
2. II. Danzуn de Etiqueta
3. III. Joropo Peligroso
4. Pavane, Op. 50
5. English Folk Song Suite
6. Since First I Saw Your Face Featuring James Taylor, vocal
7. Olha Maria (Amparo) Featuring Joshua Bell, violin
8. Ma Mere L’Oye (Mother Goose Suite)
9. Echos
10. Adagio in G Minor Featuring Chris Botti, trumpet
11. Duetto: Scherzano sul tuo volto - Renee Fleming, soprano and Chris Botti, trumpet
12. Sicilienne

LINE-UP:

Lee Ritenour, guitars
Dave Grusin, keyboards
Renee Fleming, soprano
Joshua Bell, violin
James Taylor, vocals
Chris Botti, trumpet

[+] chamber orchestra