Mi País
NYFOS, 2023
9/10
The bass-baritone artist Federico De Michelis and the esteemed pianist Steven Blier come together for these rich and soaring tracks that welcome César Andrés, Shinjoo Cho, Sami Merdinian and Pablo Lanouguere.
“Cafetín de Buenos Airies” opens the listen with de Michelis’ flowing pipes amid Merdinan’s intimate strings that complement the expressive delivery, and “Noches de Santa Fe” follows with Blier’s warm key playing that suits the poetic singing that emits much intimacy.
Deeper into the listen, “Simpre se vuelve a Buenos Aires” mixes the playful strings and keys amid the firm singing, while “Flor de lino” is full of gentle melodies, where the vivid storytelling is enriched thanks to textured instrumentation.
Arriving near the end, “Hermano”, the album’s best, is a powerful display of soulful singing and dynamic songwriting, and “El día que me quieras” exits with the keys and vocals making for sublime beauty.
An album that organically turns into a tango, the subtle use of Cho’s bandoneon and Lanouguere’s double bass only enhances the cultured aspect of this enlightening project.
Travels well with: Joshua Blue/Steven Blier- Black & Blue; New York Festival Of Song- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata