An interesting duo set by two fine musicians working in a format we don't usually associate with them. It is, in many ways, as much an extemporised classical performance as an improvised jazz one - if there is a difference!
The interplay between guitar and piano brings to mind John Lewis and Milt Jackson with MJQ and, to my mind, exudes more warmth. They seem to have an intuitive sense of direction as to who's going where and as to what will and will not work.
It may be well rehearsed but, if it is, they have managed to retain a feeling of spontaneity.
Fellini's Waltz has a beautiful lilt that made me feel like waltzing (if only I knew how!) Waltz for Libby didn't make me feel like waltzing and I was glad I didn't know how. It was clunky and it wasn't until the latter stages that it loosened up.
The little known (to me) Cole Porter tune Use Your Imagination was an absolute gem and Jive Coffee had both players percolating the jive and the java.
Critter has a flamenco feel to it. Very Spanish with some agile fingerstyle guitar almost as if Allard was the toreador warming up to face el toro. Willow Weep For me is jumpier, swingier, than most versions of the song breathing a breath of fresh air and new life into what is normally a morbid tune.
The title track, Tortugas - Tortuga being a Haitian Island, a turtle or a Spanish word meaning torturous (take your pick) - is deep, meaningful and contemplative suggesting the middle option possibly conformed by the plural. There being only one island discounts the former and it is unlikely the protagonists would choose the latter - they would leave that description to less perceptive reviewers than myself.
See the Pyramid is aptly titled opening as it does with some pyramidic arpeggios from Allard before both players go into a swinging groove. Luiza, by Tom Jobim is pure romance. Play this track and you won't need a Flask of Wine or a Book of Verse just a Thou.
Allard's Grand Lament finishes the album in a melancholic mood. Both players proving you don't have to play the blues to depict a blue feeling.
An album that, with repeated playing, I became more and more attached to.
Release date is July 8 - Lance
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