I know, I know... it's a manufactured holiday. You're right in the middle of winter doldrums and you're being "forced" to be nice to somebody. The pressure is terrible. You've got to do the right thing. Flowers? A present? Dinner? Some unknown combination of all three? It's all so overwhelming and annoying. And forget the "winter doldrums." Maybe you're not in a relationship at all. Even worse, you are in one and it's not so hot. This yearly reminder is pretty unwelcome, isn't it?
Yes, we've all been there before in one way or another and there appears to be no perfect solution.
Which is why I'm going to recommend some music. An no, not your usual music. By 'usual,' I'm referring to what's normally thought of as romantic: your Frank Sinatra's, your George Gershwin's, your (shudder) Kenny G's. Let's face it, the idea of romance varies from couple to couple, so its nearly impossible to paint something as universally romantic. Hey, I may love "Someone To Watch Over Me," while you might think it's utter dreck. So be it. Besides, much of the music used in this way is not actually listened to. Sure, maybe for a little while it is but much of the appeal is in the selection's power to set a mood. Once that mood has been established, we're off to other things (not that this is intrinsically bad).
So I'm here to offer music by two musicians that you've likely never heard of: Enrico Rava and Stefano Bollani. Bollani is one of the jazz world's great unsung new piano heroes and Rava is a trumpeter whose back catalog spans musics as wide-ranging as very out jazz to this more introspective material.
On The Third Man, Rava and Bollani create some of the most romantic new music you're likely to hear this year. I've written often on the concept of musicians ending each other's ideas and this album is another fine example. From the chiming beginning of "Estate" to the bluesy sway of "Birth of a Butterfly," the thoughts are breathed into live. This is not to say that the entire record is full of easy-on-the-ears balladry. Selections such as the title track and "In Search of Titina" have their spikey moments — but there is always a resolution. Very much like a relationship.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
Happy Valentine's day to you too, Mark! I would have to agree that the concept of sharing music is very romantic. Especially when it's a personal selection carefully chosen, it's almost like giving a piece of your heart or soul.
As far as Enrico Rava & Stefano Bollani go, I'll have to check this CD out.
2 - spikeatthemike
Being a fan of the two amigos it's clear that they've produced another masterly assemblage of modern jazz with its parodoxical mood of timelessness and contemporary relevance. How do they do that? The essence of great music has these qualities and the combo produce it time after time.