"Face to Face" is a captivating jazz album by the renowned Spanish pianist Tete Montoliu, released on January 1, 1996, under the SteepleChase label. This album is a testament to Montoliu's virtuosity and his deep connection with the jazz idiom, blending elements of bolero, hard bop, and Latin jazz into a cohesive and engaging musical experience. The album features four extended tracks, each showcasing Montoliu's exceptional skill and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his playing.
The album opens with a rendition of "There'll Never Be Another You," a classic standard that Montoliu transforms into a dynamic and swinging hard bop vehicle. The second track, "I Love You," is a beautiful and introspective ballad that highlights Montoliu's lyrical and sensitive side. The third track, "I Fall in Love Too Easily," is a lively and infectious Latin jazz number that showcases Montoliu's rhythmic and harmonic prowess. The album concludes with a medley of "Lover Man" and "Salt Peanuts," a unique and exciting blend of two disparate jazz standards that Montoliu seamlessly weaves together.
Throughout the album, Montoliu is accompanied by the legendary Danish bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, whose deep and resonant playing provides a solid foundation for Montoliu's improvisations. The interplay between the two musicians is a highlight of the album, as they engage in a dynamic and spontaneous dialogue that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
"Face to Face" is a remarkable album that showcases Tete Montoliu's exceptional talent and his deep understanding of the jazz tradition. Whether you're a longtime fan of Montoliu or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire you.
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