Le Sucrier Velours (Velvet Sugar Bowl) CD Review

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A very enjoyable swing style album, and the third album recording of the virtuoso pianist Ramona Horvath. She duets with Nicolas Rageau, a double bassist, in a subtle reharmonisation which pays tribute to the genius of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. In three of their compositions.  “Le Sucrier Velours”, “Drop me off in Harlem” and “U.M.M.G.”.

You also hear a polyphonic arrangement of “Hot House” by Tadd Dameron, and two songs from the American songbook, “Pennies From Heaven” and “My Romance“. Four personal compositions round off the album, “Le Contrebossu de Notre Dame“, “Procrastination Blues” (by N.Rageau), Esmeralda” and “Calea Victoriei” (by R.Horvath).  One gets the sense that there is a constant quest for musicality and expressiveness emanating from this album, with a very obvious sense that these two musicians really enjoy playing together.

My personal favourite is Procrastination Blues – especially love the musical interchange between the piano and bass. This track may become my justification to simply procrastinate every now and again!

Ramon Horvath piano playing has great melody, rhythm and demonstrates her secret knowledge of the keyboard, I am sure Madame de Fleurville would approve. While ‘Emily‘ by Jonny Mandel is not a track on this album,  the video gives a small taste of what there is to look forward to with  LE SUCRIER VELOURS  (Black&Blue) – official release May 2019

 

Ramon Horvath – piano
Nicolas Rageau – double bass

Tracklisting:
Le Sucrier Velours (D. Ellington) 4:46
Drop Me Off In Harlem (D. Ellington) 4:31
Esmeralda (R. Horvath) 6:01
Hot House (T. Dameron) 4:50
Le Contrabossu De Notre Damme (N. Rageau) 4:46
Pennies from Heaven (A. Johnston) 5:21
Procrastination Blues (N.Rageau) 3:06
U.M.M.G (B. Strayhorn) 5:12
Calea Victoriei (R. Horvath) 3:28
My Romance (R. Rogers) 5:17
Total Time: 47:32

Artist website: Ramon Horvath

Last modified: June 20, 2019