Norte Duo Sul
MB Note, 2023
8/10
The pianist Matthias Bublath is joined by Michi Ruzitschka’s 7 string guitar for this debut together that explores Brazil’s rich musical culture.
“Cante Jondo” opens the listen with the frisky keys and colorful guitar interacting with much beauty and detail, and “324 Centre Street” follows with meticulous finger acrobatics from Ruzitschka matching Bublath’s stunning progression on the keys.
The middle track belongs to “Omaria”, where a mesmerizing quality surrounds the strategic repetition, while “Bala Com Bala” uses firm keys and very diverse guitar techniques for the highly melodic album highlight.
Arriving near the end, “Hermeto” carries an upbeat demeanor of playfulness and unparalleled skill between the pair, and “Samba Norte Sul” exits with an animated delivery of rhythmic and timeless instrumentation.
Though both musicians are from Europe, Ruzitschka spent 2 decades in Brazil, and he brings that experience to this technical, worldly and metrically stunning listen that few others could replicate.
Travels well with: Floris Kappeyne Trio- Closer; Luumu- Elephant Love Song