Cantabile is the second album by the Italian-Belgian duo of Gabriele di Franco and Francesco Negro.
Cantabile is a quiet journey that continues the exploration begun on their first album (Synolon), but greatly accentuates Gabriele and Francesco’s passion for melody and lyricism. Indeed, it is no coincidence that the album’s only guest is the Spanish singer and composer Vanesa Gil Diaz, who joins the duo on two splendid compositions ‘At The Border’ and ‘Dopo Tutto’. But the singability element remains strong throughout the album.
Acoustic piano timbres mingle with the sounds of a semi-acoustic guitar that modulates to pure electronics. This musical research has led Gabriele and Francesco to explore new timbre combinations, generating a sound that, although strongly rooted in jazz, is not afraid to steal sounds and shapes from improvised music, electronics, and pop.
TRACK LIST
1. At The Border
2. Peace
3. LAMA
4. Dopo Tutto
5. Bloemen
6. Ombre
7. Oh My Love
Recorded on 12th and 13th August 2023 at Cicaleto Recording Studio (Arezzo- IT)
Mixed and Mastered by Francesco Ponticelli
At The Border, Peace composed by Francesco Negro
LAMA, Bloemen, Dopo Tutto composed by Gabriele di Franco
Ombre composed by Gabriele di Franco and Francesco Negro
Oh My Love composed by Riz Ortolani
REVIEWS
NL
“Als drie talenten met dergelijke scholing de krachten bundelen, dan is het niet onredelijk bijzondere dingen te verwachten en dat blijkt hier dus geen ijdele hoop…de twee jongelui, die opnieuw een bijzonder mooie plaat afleveren, waarop ze hun harmonie centraal stellen. Voorwaar, er is nog hoop voor deze wereld !”
EN
“When three talents with such training join forces, it’s not unreasonable to expect extraordinary things, and it turns out that this is not a vain hope… The two young artists, who once again deliver a particularly beautiful record, with their harmony at the center. Indeed, there is still hope for this world!”
(Dani Heyvaert – rootstime.be)
DE
“Gitarrist Gabriele di Franco und Pianist Francesco Negro betören mit einem magischen Duo-Album von soghafter Ruhe und Kraft, Sängerin Vanesa Diaz Gil sorgt für Gänsehautmomente.”
EN
Guitarist Gabriele di Franco and pianist Francesco Negro captivate with a magical duo album full of mesmerizing calm and strength, while singer Vanesa Diaz Gil delivers goosebump-inducing moments.
(Markus Will – BRF)
FR
Il vaut toujours mieux ne pas rater son entrée. Et quand on décide de la faire « a cappella » en confiant la tâche à son invitée, la gageure n’en est que plus osée. Mais ici, le pari est parfaitement réussi et la magie opère.
…
di Franco et Negro maîtrisent les tensions et les reliefs, confondent avec esprit les harmonies. Ils laissent de côté l’évidence et s’attardent à révéler les sentiments dans un lyrisme non ostentatoire. Chacun des deux musiciens s’écoute, se répond, se supporte, joue avec les attentes et les silences (école Steve Reich). On se laisse embarquer.
EN
It’s always better not to miss one’s entrance. And when you decide to do it “a cappella” by entrusting the task to your guest, the challenge becomes even bolder. But here, the gamble is perfectly successful, and the magic happens.
…
di Franco and Negro masterfully navigate tensions and nuances, blending harmonies with wit. They avoid the obvious and linger on revealing emotions with understated lyricism. Each musician listens to, responds to, and supports the other, playing with expectations and silences (in the style of Steve Reich). You find yourself carried away.
(Jacques Prouvost – Jazzmania.be)
PR – STILETTO
INGE DE PAUW / +32 473 123237 / inge@stilletto.be