Senderos

Accordion (bandoneon, really) and drums. Folky, pastoral pieces reflecting gentle European rural life and traditional themes... as well as some ECM-specialty free-floating improv tracks.

Even the slow tracks come across smiley and bright -- there's only so much you can do with the bandoneon sound -- but Saluzzi still manages to be agile and expressive on the instrument. Jon Christensen on drums (he's always on ECM's drums!) adds nice contrast, a breather from the bandoneon sound. On the plus side, you can hear the keys tapping as Saluzzi plays. It's a great sound, similar to what you hear with sax players occasionally.

1- Floaty, abstract, but mid/fast propulsive. Tuneful later. Some nice drumming and wacky bandoneon, a great involved track.
2- Pretty, soft tune.
3- Slow
4- Slow drama; includes a fast goofy segment in second half
5- Perky, popping.
6- Folky, done in an offhanded way. Fun, a bit quiet and slow
7- Sneaky
8- Folky, tuneful, w/floaty jazz drumming
9- Gets nicely dramatic; starts quiet and cute.
10- Gentle little piece, w/singing near end
11- Lots of improv bursts, from a slow start. Colorful, playful.
12- Fairly slow
13- Nice improvising (slow start). Playful, tuneful ending
14- Swaying, partially waltzy, nostalgic