LALO ZANELLI: SOLAR (Argentina)
‘I named this album “Solar” after one of the tracks. Solar as in hope, the light that always returns, guiding us through life. I would like to dedicate it to that, to the hope for a better world.
This album is a collection of microcosms, written over the last four or five years. These pieces are true to my world in which I blend the musical forms that are dear to me, that naturally inspire me, that I have experienced throughout these years.
When I started out as a pre-teen musician in Buenos Aires, I plunged into rock music even though I was immersed in the music of my native land, tango and Argentine folklore.
Arriving in Paris in 1983 I discovered jazz, which I have never abandoned since. Then I “rediscovered” tango — in Paris! — as well as Argentine folk music and the music and rhythms of the wider world. In parallel, my studies immersed me in orchestral writing for film music. My experience as a pianist, arranger and composer has been enriching, working with artists such as Gotan Project, François Beranger, Daniel Melingo and Alfredo Arias, as well as others in the world of jazz.
All these experiences are of course reflected in this album, which I define as binary: between action and contemplation, between rage and introspection, between “clouds and sunshine” as illustrated on the cover.
I was able to create this music thanks to the participation of some of my old musician friends, whom I call La Orquesta Modulable la Buena Unión: (Magic) Mailk Mezzadri (flute); Minino Garay (drums, percussion); Didier Ithursarry (accordion); Simon Drappier (double bass, electric bass); Javier Estrella (drums, percussion); Leandro Guffanti (tenor & soprano saxophones); Diego Lipy (guitars); Noé Codjia (trumpet); Fabrizio Colombo (bandoneon). And thanks to the participation of my two daughters, Maëla and Margo Zanelli.’
Lalo Zanelli
