SWEET CARESS (vinyl)

Description

Ballads have a way of comforting us. When they are imbued with real emotional power, they have the ability to uplift and transport. We lose ourselves in romance or reverie. This second orchestral collaboration between iconic Swiss trumpeter Franco Ambrosetti and two-time Grammy Award-winning arranger Alan Broadbent takes us there. The album title perfectly describes Franco’s approach to every golden note he plays on the flugelhorn. Backed by a stellar group made up of pianist Broadbent, guitarist John Scofield, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Peter Erskine, as well as a 29-piece orchestra arranged and conducted by Broadbent, Ambrosetti strikes a chord in a program made up of four original compositions and four well-chosen covers. “This is actually the third album I’ve made with strings,” said Mr. Ambrosetti. “The first was done with Don Sebesky in the late 70s. Over the years, I decided that I absolutely wanted to make another album with strings, because the older you get, the more you have to focus on ballads. And today, at 82, it’s a tremendous satisfaction to play ballads and interpret melodies like these. As arranger of ‘Sweet Caress’, Broadbent proves to be a perfect partner, continuing his role as arranger and conductor on Ambrosetti’s previous orchestral project, 2022’s Nora. Originally from New Zealand, he wrote for Woody Herman’s bands in the 70s and for Charlie Haden’s Quartet West in the 80s. He apprenticed under Nelson Riddle before taking part, as arranger and conductor, in orchestral recordings for Natalie Cole, Diana Krall, Shirley Horn, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, Mel Torme and Paul McCartney. “One thing I love about music,” Broadbent said, “is that through notes, you can move people and be moved. Whether it’s jazz, classical music, popular music or classic songs, if it has that human quality, that’s what I’m looking for. After their first meeting on Nora, Broadbent described his collaboration with Franco as “two musical souls meeting.” We all know, after a few bars played together, whether we feel a connection. You resonate together like tuning forks, and that’s where the music comes from. I’m fortunate that Franco heard in me something he felt close to.” He continues: “I’m a passionate pianist and I love translating that feeling into an orchestra, which, to me, is the most beautiful thing there is on the planet. It’s a profound experience. These lush pieces are a perfect fit for the quiet of late evening with a sip of your favorite liquor (my preference is bourbon, neat, or a dark-looking cabernet). And while you’re at it, get comfortable, put your feet up on the nearest ottoman, dim the lights and let yourself be carried away by the reverie of ‘Sweet Caress’.” - Bill Milkowski