Taladim
Tom-Tom, 2019
8/10
A Jazz singer, songwriter and visual artist who resides in Budapest, Hungary, Rozina Patkai returns with a 3rd album where poetry from T.S. Eliot, William Blake and Paul Verlaine, among others, is soundtracked by an all star ensemble of saxophone, cello, synth and much percussion players.
The title track starts the listen percussively strong as Patkai’s expressive and playful vocals guide the rhythmic opening, and “Lorelei” follows with soft guitar and sensual melodies in the feel good tune.
Deeper into the listen “Sea Song” uses strategic cello to set the mood, as saxophones help illuminate the cultured elegance, while “Szerelem?” showcases the pretty and soothing pipes from Patkai. “Llagas De Amor”, the most moving tune present, than offers us emotive balladry that tugs at the heartstrings.
At the end, “Chanson D’ Autumme” flows with a poetic quality as Patkai speaks over more experimental ideas while still being anchored by an acoustic guitar, and “O Leaozinnho” exits the listen with swift strumming amid the upbeat and folk inspired conclusion.
Patkai has been fronting bands for nearly a decade now, and even dabbles in electronic music, too. Taladim expands further from the Brazilian sounds of her earlier work and unfolds with a rich, textured approach where she sings in both Hungarian and French in a multifaceted, worldly approach that’s immediately gripping.
Travels well with: Bin-Jip- Enter; Laura Noejovich- Laura Has New Standards