Album for Astor (Music of Astor Piazzolla)

Of the portrait albums dedicated to Astor Piazzolla, this one, Album for Astor, is among the most interesting and varied. Beyond the constant of Bjarke Mogensen’s accordion, it offers a timbrally diverse program of ensembles employing various colors and configurations that keep interest and emotions running high.

The album is programmed with a commencing and concluding solo, bookending duos and ensembles. Of particular interest is the fleet-footed Vibraphonissimo, originally composed for the wonderful jazz musician Gary Burton; an energetic concert performance was recorded by Burton and Piazzolla. Mogensen lays down his slightly more reflective but equally engaging version in the company of Johan Bridger, his vibes playing more than up to the task of filling some impressive shoes.

Like Villa-Lobos did for the Brazilian Choros only even more so, Argentinian Astor Piazzolla has taken the local Tango form and made from it his own kind of expression. That is all quite clear if you listen to Accordionist Bjarke Mogensen as he joins with the Danish Chamber Players and soloists Johan Bridger on vibraphone and Mathias Heise on harmonica for the freewheeling, well conceived and enthusiastic homage to the composer on the recent Album for Astor.

Select Piazzolla gems sparkle one after the other on this album. Solo accordion, accordion with vibraphone or harmonica and, for more than half, accordion with chamber group keeps the pacing and momentum going for a nicely considered program. Mogensen and company turn in a meticulously considered and broadly appealing set of performances here. It is as infectious as it is intrinsic.

I am glad to have this one and recommend it without hesitation. Viva Piazzolla!