HAMILTON DE HOLANDA & GONZALO RUBALCABA

COLLAB

Sony Music/Brazil

Hamilton de Holanda, 10 string mandolin; Gonzalo Rubalcaba, piano; Gabriel Grossi, harmonica; João Bosco, vocals.

This album features two of the greatest exponents of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian jazz. The renowned and gifted Afro-Cuban pianist, Gonzalo Rubalcaba unites his talent with the virtuoso Brazilian mandolinist, Hamilton de Holanda.  The result is not only true cultural diplomacy, but it is the spotlighting of two brilliant, genius talents merging to create amazing art.  This duo represents a package plush with their individual, original compositions. Additionally, they also feature the music of Stevie Wonder, Charlie Haden, and vocalist João Bosco, with co-writer Aldir Blanc.

Bosco and Blanc have penned the first song the famous duo plays called, “Incompatibilidade de Gênios” performed at first a ‘cappella by Hamilton de Holanda on his sensuous 10-string mandolin.  When Rubalcaba enters on piano, the two begin to have an animated conversation using their instruments.  The uniqueness of blending these two instruments is enough to garner interest, but to be played by such experts, and renowned jazz improvisers, is to take us on an accelerated journey of explosive imagination and beauty.

“Blues Lundvall” is Rubalcaba’s composition. It follows on the tail of the first song, with energy and excitement. There are exaggerated breaks in this arrangement. Each player is attentive to the written music score, but also quite fluid while improvising.  Rubalcaba expresses his creativity, touching all 88 keys of his piano swiftly, yet with purpose and creativity.  He is a master at his instrument.

Track #3 was written by Hamilton de Holanda and is titled “Mandalagh.”  It’s very romantic and melodic. I’ve never heard a mandolin player who sometimes sounds so similar to a pianist and is so inventive. These two musicians genuinely complement each other.  During the Holanda solo, the mandolin’s tone is elevated at a speedy pace.  Each note is individually highlighted and trembles beneath Holanda’s expert fingers. I am totally engrossed by this presentation and stunned at the skillful technique each musician offers.  For example, on the tune “Flying Chicken” I am taken on a spirited trip to a space I’ve never seen before.

Who plays like that? I wonder in awe. Both of these gentlemen show us their sparkle of genius and the magic of master musicianship. This album is historic and star-studded, GRAMMY material.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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