World Music Album Reviews

Andando : Mario Poletti

The first thing I noticed about this album was the cool CD platter - it's dark black with ridges and looks just like a Vinyl LP - the first time I've seen a CD made like that.

The second thing I noticed was that the opening track features Mandolin and Recorder - a quirky combination!

This 10 track album consists of Poletti's original compositions which are a mixture of folk with jazz overtones.

Many of the tracks borrow from traditional forms such as the Schottische (a Bohemian dance) and Bourée (17th Century France) which gives them an instantly recognisable sound.

Bourée is actually one of my favorite tracks on the album with it's driving, forward pushing 6/8 rhythm and accented beats. Simun is another tracks which really catches my attention with it's Eastern scales and great Darabuka playing. This piece changes from simple melodic lines to waves of sound washing over you - all the while the Darabuka keeps up a driving rhythm.

Speaking of which - there is a strong use of percussion throughout Andando - with a wide range of percussion instruments being played - from traditional snare to shakers and woodblock on Des Clochettes Sonnent.

Throughout the album the style seems to gradually change - the opening tracks is quite traditional, but by the time we reach the second last track, Mago B. it's become quite a bit more improvised, there's tempo changes and a slight circus feel.

The final track, Gira La Giostra is definitely circusy, it's a Waltz that starts to literally fall apart in the middle, with different rhythms overlapping before getting back into a very bizarre version of the waltz with slide whistle and delayed guitar, and finally back to the more traditional sound all in the space of three minutes.

This album is quite quirky, but accessible and with a positive, happy feel - a very enjoyable listen which took me back to old style dancing while keeping me firmly in the present.

> Find out more about Mario Poletti and his album Andando at his MySpace site