When guitarist Robin Nolan formed the Robin Nolan trio in London in 1992, its focus was European gypsy swing a` la Django Reinhardt. But the group (which relocated to Amsterdam) later opted for a change of direction, embracing acoustic post-bop with strong world music leanings. No one will mistake Mediterranean Blues, a collection of the Nolan trio's late-'90s work, for swing recordings of the 1930s and 1940s. Though Nolan's lyrical playing still contains elements of Reinhardt, this is very much a post-bop CD. The title Mediterranean Blues doesn't tell you just how eclectic Nolan is. Yes, Mediterranean music is an influence; some of Nolan's pieces contain elements of Greek music. But this album also finds him combining jazz with everything from Middle Eastern to Latin music. Nolan obviously appreciates a variety of Latin rhythms -- not only Afro-Cuban, but also Spanish, Brazilian, and Argentinean. Although Mediterranean Blues falls short of innovative, it does have a certain freshness. Nolan could have easily stuck to gypsy swing; there are still plenty of people in Europe who worship Reinhardt's music and love to hear younger musicians taking a retro-'30s or retro-'40s approach. But Mediterranean Blues demonstrates that Nolan deserves credit for challenging himself and trying a variety of things. -
by Alex Henderson, AMGArtist: Robin Nolan Trio
Album: Mediterranean Blues
Year: 1998-99
Quality:
eac-flac, cue, log, artw.Label: Refined (2001)
Runtime: 64:00
Tracks:1. Mediterranean Blues 3:45
2. Friar Park 3:54
3. Song For Carolyn 8:06
4. And Then There Were Three 6:26
5. Luna Tango 5:46
6. Bar Del Pi 6:25
7. From the Banks of the Odra 5:28
8. Bolero Blue 7:13
9. El Puente 4:48
10. Trouble in Paradise 6:25
11. Where Do We Go From Here 5:40
All compositions - by Robin Nolan Personnel:Robin Nolan (Guitar)
Paul Meader (Double Bass)
Jan P. Brouwer (Rhythm Guitar) - 3-10
Kevin Nolan (Rhythm Guitar) - 1,2,11
Nema Lopes (Percussion) - 4-10
Arjan Singh (Tabla) - 2
Carles Romo (Palmas) - 1
