FRÉDÉRIC VIALE

CAMELEON

L’Autre distribution

Frederic Viale, solo accordion/Mellowtone.

This is the eighth album release for Frédéric Viale. It is unique from all his other recordings. This time, he is performing solo.

Opening with “Frou Frou,” a composition by Henri Chatau, this French accordion master offers a captivating performance, whisking us to Paris on the wings of his music.  He has titled his album “Cameleon” because for many years he felt like a chameleon, blending his style and brilliance to match diverse genres of music.  He is popular because not only does he play well, but his style is his own and easily recognizable. Viale’s genius is palpable. He is highly jazz influenced on his accordion, even when he explores traditional South American and European music.  The jazz is obvious, whether he is playing a waltz, a ‘swing,’ the tango, or the bolero. His improvisational skills always shine for the whole world to see.  On Track #2, “Caméléon” Viale becomes more intense.  He has composed this title tune, and it is quite captivating. It reflects high energy and he plays with a driving force.

In 2016, the world’s most prestigious accordion maker created a tailor-made instrument just for Frédéric Viale, to support his musicianship and his unique style of playing.  Viale knew exactly what he wanted, and the Pigini company produced a model corresponding to his wishes. The Cassotto FV was born with its crystal-clear sound, superb strength, and elegance is reflected on this album.  Since then, Viale has promoted this very special instrument. He has mastered it. You can hear that on this amazing solo project.

Another of his original compositions is titled, “Sol Pleureur.”  The melody is quite intoxicating and emotional.  Sometimes Frédéric Viale sounds like two people playing the accordion. I have heard him perform with other musicians, but never as a solo performer.  He holds my attention like paper to glue.

Clearly, Viale has spent years developing the special balance between his left hand and right hand, and it’s amazing the incredible choices and sounds he pulls from the instrument. He has certainly elevated the accordion to new heights as a solo instrument in jazz. With his style and presentation, Viale interjects emotional sincerity into his music.  Track #5 is another Viale original. I would say it’s based in the blues.  Called “Anatole,” I love the way he plays it with simplicity and great feeling. He pulls me into the composition like an ocean current or a rip tide.  Frédéric Viale is a wonderful composer.  He offers us eight original compositions on this album, and each one is well-written and melodic.  He is a generous man, recording a total of nineteen songs for our listening pleasure.

On three of these works, Viale employs a Mellowtone instrument.  That’s a hybrid instrument that is half accordion and half harmonica.  He also includes two classical compositions, and a tune composed by the late, great, jazz bassist, Ray Brown called, “Gravy Waltz.”  His arrangement of the familiar “Besame Mucho” is joyful, surprisingly creative, and just plain fun.  Here is an album like none other I’ve heard before.  Frédéric Viale is a magnificent accordion master whose brilliance is stunning, entertaining, and memorable.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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