Richard Galliano studied piano and accordion at the age of 4 with his father Lucien Galliano, accordionist and teacher.
Particularly gifted and invested, he quickly entered the Nice Conservatory, directed at that time by organist Pierre Cochereau, and followed courses in harmony, counterpoint and trombone.
He won first prize in 1969 for this instrument.
He arrived in Paris in 1975 and met Claude Nougaro, becoming his friend, his accordionist and conductor until 1983.
The author and composer found each other. They get along beautifully.
From this close collaboration will be born many songs that are part of the heritage of French song, such as Allée des brouillards, Des voiliers,Vie Violence…
The second decisive meeting took place in 1980, with the Argentinean composer and bandoneonist Astor Piazzolla.
Astor strongly encouraged him to create the French “New Musette”, as he himself had
previously invented the Argentinean “New Tango”. (by
This project sounds natural for vibist Gary Burton. But to imagine a vibraphonist playing with an accordonist – it seems only Burton could have pulled it off. Drummer Clarence Penn and bassist George Mraz provide sympathic support through this heavily romanticized material.
On the opening of Astor Piazolla´s “Milonga Is Coming” Gallianp´s subtle swept couches Burton´s quiet lines. Eventually joined by the rest of the group both solists weave in and out of the song´s dreamy, melancholy mood. The formal nature to this programm continues with Piazzolla´s spritely “Triunfal”.
The song starts and stops, its moments of reflection balanced by the urge to move vigorously. On Bach´s “Sinfonia 11 In G-Moll”, Burton seems at home with the music´s counterpoint, as Galliano´s lead statement to this waltz alternates with the vibist´s soloing, this swing feel turning it into a lovely occasion for jazz.
Ballads include the titel track and “Waltz For Debby”, which the group gives an uplifting arrangment. It´s a delight to hear such virtuosic improvisors together. Galliano and Burton have chops galore, but instead of showing off, they are seduced by the material. (by John Ephland)
Personnel:
Gary Burton (vibraphone)
Richard Galliano (accordion)
George Mraz (bass)
Clarence Penn (drums)
Tracklist:
01. Milonga Is Coming (Piazzolla) 8.29
02. Triunfal (Piazzolla) 3.51
03. L’hymne à l’amour (If You Love Me) (Piaf/Monnot) 7.30
04. Sinfonia 11 In G-Moll, BWV 797 (Bach) 4.28
05. Soledad (Piazzolla) 6.59
06. Para Jobim (Galliano) 5.15
07. Operation Tango (Piazzolla) 8.28
08. Romance Del Diablo (Piazzolla) 5.50
09. Waltz For Debby (Evans/Lees) 5.55
10. Il Postino (Bacalov) 4.47
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