Melos
Vassilis Tsabropoulos – Piano Anja Lechner – Cello U.T. Gandhi – Percussion
Given the proliferation of world music “fusion” CDs, where an amalgam of disparate traditions are put together seemingly heedless of their respective identities, one could be excused for being somewhat wary of the polystylism found on the ECM recording Melos. But Tsabropoulos, Lechner, and Gandhi are adroit practitioners in a multitude of styles and make a convincing case for reexamining multicultural projects with a more catholic sensibility.
Indeed, their collaboration yields many respectfully reinterpreted ethnic dances and traditional folksongs. I’m particularly fond of the spirited rhythms found on “Reflections” and the poised elegance of “Simplicity.” Jazz inflections and mixed meters buoy “Vocalise” and “Gift of Dreams;” both also feature Lechner’s sumptuous cantabile playing. Thus, Melos transcends geographic boundaries and, in so doing, exhibits some inspired and beautiful music.