Michael Wollny and
Vincent Peirani: Tandem
The eclectic German pianist Michael Wollny and the formidable French
accordionist Vincent Peirani present a mix of original tunes and pieces by
Björk, joined by Samuel Barber and Sufjan Stevens who also are known for
crossing the borders of jazz, classical music and world infused folk references all
with a cavalier vibe of ingenuity.
Peirani
gives an insightful introspective sound on the solemn “Song Yet Untitled,” while
Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” begins with an enthusiastic swagger that becomes
a racing underburn of minimalism. Björk’s “Hunter,” is aptly set to a flamenco pulse
before Wollny takes off with steadfast pacing with ala, Chick Corea-esque
flourishes and full handed chords. The pianist’s skittering “Bells” exhibits
the freedom both players shine on, this is where you truly see the brilliance of
these two musicians.Moving in and out of
chromatic nuances, Sufjan Stevens’ hymnal “Fourth of July,” is tellingly austere, and the musicians improvised
and written exchanges on Argentinian composer Tomás Gubitsch’s “Travesuras” is
sublime, alternating between carefree traversing and hushed balladry themes.
Michael Wollny and
Vincent Peirani: Tandem