CD Review: Carlos Malta & Thomas Clausen - Dreamland.

Carlos Malta (tenor/soprano/bass clarinet/flute/bass flute/piccolo); Thomas Clausen (Steinway/Rhodes/celeste).

(Review by Lance).

Brazil meets Denmark is what it says on the tin. If you saw it on the shelf in Tesco between the Danish Blue and the Feijoada you'd probably be a little hesitant and go for one or the other. However, this is one occasion where, unlike east and west, the north and south twain do meet.

Duo albums can, and often are, hit and miss affairs. Not so here. Virtuoso playing by both musicians and, if you've raised a quizzical eyebrow at the inclusion of Tiger Rag just listen to what Malta and his flute do with it! The most amazing flute/piano track I've ever heard!

This is a jazz album without a doubt although it could also slot into the classical genre - After the Metronome could be performed at The Proms and not an eyebrow would be raised.

Malta floats from one instrument to another without a hitch and Clausen is with him all the way - well he did write most of the tunes (Malta chipped in with three and of course ODJB provided Tiger Rag.

It's a gem of an album. One of those delightful miniatures that pop up now and then and take you totally by surprise.

In an age where musical values can sometimes be seen to be taking a back seat, this is like a breath of fresh air.
Saude Brazil - Skål Denmark!
Lance.
Available Stunt (UK Discovery).