. . . he's channeled his immense musical charisma into an authentic
Latino sound, with plenty of sexy swing for a new recital disc . . .
Alagna turns to some of Mariano's Spanish specialties in a revelatory
tour of Central and South America, with enough Brazilian bossa novas,
Cuban boleros and Argentine tangos to set your hips swaying and feet
tapping faster than you can say "Salsa Class" . . . he brings a loose
rhythmic ease and a variety of colors to each number. Open-throated
power, supported tone and long breath provide vocal class without
distancing him emotionally, and he throws in a few high notes with
good-natured bravura . . . even in its tearful moments the entire disc
exudes a sunny charm . . . Yvan Cassar's inventive and beautiful
arrangements keep a straightforward nightclub feel. The mix of intimate
accompaniments with exuberant big-band numbers always keeps the focus on
the voice, and Cassar's instrumental choices and the versatility of the
band highlight Alagna's musical urgency . . . One of the best numbers
is the traditional Mexican song "La Llorona," in which Alagna's soft,
plangent sobs paint the chorus effectively. The guitar improvisation in
double time is especially witty, and the spare instrumentation
highlights the song's expressive simplicity. Another superb understated
performance is "El día que me quieras," in which Alagna's old-fashioned
sound, replete with quick vibrato and little vocal turns, pays homage to
the song's creator, Carlos Gardel . . . There are thrills aplenty in
Alagna's full-throated "Piensa en mí," which opens the recital, and in
his smoky-to-blazing delivery of "Bésame mucho" . . . [a] bold and spicy
concierto.
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