Andalusian Legacy
Albany, 2025
8/10
David Russell’s violin guides the keys, guitar, vocals and castanets of these 5 selections from 5 composers that touch on the Andalusian folk tradition.
“La Vida Breve - Dansa Espagnole No. 1”, by Manuel De Falla and Fritz Kreisler, opens with Russell’s animated violin alongside Pedro Gavilán’s firm piano and Estefanía Brao’s lively castanets, and “Spanish Dances, Op. 23: No. 1, Playera” follows with the same trio in a calmer climate of cultured and gripping songwriting thanks to Pablo de Sarasate.
In the middle, “El Vito”, a traditional, injects Fabio Bosch Friere’s meticulous flamenco guitar into the intimate strings and well timed castanets, while “Three Songs in Andalusian Style on Poems of Lorca, Op. 1” pairs Johnathan White’s expressive tenor with Zaiba Sheikh’s elegant piano that populates the 3 rich chapters of the David Russell piece.
“El Poema de Una Sanluqueña, op. 28”, by Joaquín Turina, exits and recruits Russell’s diverse violin and Sheikh’s skilled piano to 4 chapters that are heartfelt, commanding, bare and tense via the strong chemistry between the duo.
A record where each track brings its own unique identity, the musicianship is top notch, where poeticism and spiritual bouts enhance the listening experience tremendously.
Travels well with: Trace Johnson- Works For Cello; Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra- Convergence