We Have A Dream
Alessa, 2022
8/10
The guitarist, trombonist, arranger, composer and conductor Emiliano Sampaio brings along an esteemed orchestra for these diverse and exciting jazz compositions.
The listen gets off to a very warm, atmospheric start with the precise layering of the reflective “New Old Paths”, and “Touching” follows with swift strings illuminating the very intimate 38 seconds.
Further on, the booming drums of “Dry Soil” leads into the dreamy mallet work, soaring strings and soothing winds of the cinematic landscape, while “Always Go Back (To The Blues)” uses brass strategically in a more bare demeanor that manipulates space and tension superbly.
Near to the end, the colorful keys and slow burning approach of “Revolution” makes this one of the album’s best, and “Old New Paths” exits the listen with sublime string interaction that segues into firm drumming, vivid brass and a very meticulous finish.
With the large cast on hand, there’s plenty of surprises along the way, as Sampaio and company incorporate no lack of world music ideas into an orchestral jazz listen that few could replicate.
Travels well with: Dafnis Prieto- Cantar; The Relay- The Relay