The time is ripe for the music world to recognize in pianist/composer Dario Boente a musician of the caliber of his well-lauded fellow Argentinians such as pianists Raul di Blasio, the late Jorge Dalto, Adrián Iaies, Daniel Tinte, and Guillermo Klein, just to name a few. Boente’s latest release, simply titled Sur, (2011, Dario Boente Music), finds the artist performing several original songs as well as Argentine Nuevo tango standards with a new ensemble of musical visionaries, many of whom are leaders of their own bands.
Dario Boente’s circle of musical colleagues include Gregoire Maret, harmonica; Marta Gonzalez, vocals; Hector del Curto and Jofre Romarion, bandoneon; Pablo Aslan, bass; Antonio Sanchez, drums; and Mauricio Zottarelli, percussion, all of whom understand Boente’s new outlook of Piazzolla, the composer, national hero and prime force of the Nuevo tango movement. (Boente 2011).
The program opens with one of Piazzolla’s most heartfelt compositions – “Milonga del Angel.” Dario Boente combines his exemplary piano lyricism with electronic excerpts and Romarion’s priceless bandoneon playing on this exceptional rendition of Piazzolla, the romantic.
He follows with “Nanda” a beautiful original composition with all of the rich harmony and melody that Boente has come to be known for. Played as a solo on the acoustic piano, the real business begins with his lovely arpeggios and classical approach to the subject. The appropriateness of the music in this environment of jazz and Argentine folk songs is obvious. What better expression can be found for a tribute to someone special?
“Electric Heart” reveals Boente’s skill as an artistic composer who can successfully fuse modern and traditional sounds. This song is an electronic World-beat jazz tour-de-force punctuated with the energetic sound of the bandoneon that will have you on the dance floor all night! By contrast, a second Piazzolla composition, one that was written as a response to the death of Piazzolla’s father, follows. “Adios Nonino,” is also performed as a solo on the acoustic piano by Boente who artfully infuses the hopeful colors of consolation for the living with the deep and heartfelt mood of this requiem.
The mood changes on the next song. What listeners will realize as Boente’s love motives, both rhythmic and melodic, abound in the soulful moods of his “Divine Love,” an original Boente Nuevo tango which also features the beauty of Hector Del Curto’s bandoneon. Although all of the songs on the recording are excellent, “Divine Love” is certainly the crown jewel of Sur.
Marta Gonzalez’s voicings and harmonic motion on “Vuelvo al Sur” is as organic and fresh as Piazzolla’s original music but now features the prose of Fernando Solanas. Gregoire Moret’s beautiful harmonica solo makes this song memorable because of the texture and colors it adds to Boente’s warm, romantic, piano jazz.
Dario Boente & Projecto Sur. Nardis
Dario Boente & Projecto Sur. Nanda
About Dario Boente
Dario Boente was born in Argentina and raised there before his family moved to Spain. A child prodigy, Dario's musical personality was energized by the music of Astor Piazzolla as he was introduced to tango and Brazilian music. Dario started his Jazz performance studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and he continued his classical studies at The Guildhall School of Music in London. He completed his studies at The New School University in New York and earned a degree in composition. (World Music Central.org 2011).
In the early 1990’s, Boente toured the European music circuit with Big Joe Turner as his keyboard player and musical director. He also toured with the Pop band called Imagination, with the Jose el Frances, the Spanish flamenco singer, making dance tracks, and performing at the major Jazz festivals. (World Music Central.org 2011).
In 1999, Dario moved to New York City. Since then, he has released seven albums and compilations as a leader, featuring such well known musicians as Antonio Sanchez on drums, guitarist Ronny Jordan, saxophonist Miguel Zenon, harmonica player Gregoire Maret, and flutist Jorge Pardo, among others. (Dario Boente.com 2011)
You can read more about Dario Boente at his website.
