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Torcuato
Mariano - Diary
'Diary'
is the thrid recording from Brazilian Jazz Guitarist Torcuato
Mariano, and the first since the release of his legendary 'Last
Look' CD back in 1995. Here's our review of the album:
We've
always admired people who could keep a daily journal - seems like
such an admirable trait, being able to chronicle the events of
one's life. And while we've never seemed to muster up enough time
to devote myself to the task, we'll freely admit that the thought
of looking back at the weeks, months and years is intriguing.
Even more so when it's somebody else's story.
And
so it is with Torcuato Mariano's 'Diary.'
When
we last left the Brazilian guitarist, his 'Last Look' CD was taking
the contemporary Jazz scene by storm, and songs like "Ocean
Way" were well on track to becoming part of the smooth jazz
lexicon. The music was fresh, relaxing and like nothing else on
the radio - an easy groove that laid a Latin sheen over his obvious
talents at the fret board and the studio console.
Back
then, we wrote that what made Torcuato Mariano stand out from
other contemporary jazz guitarists was his sensitivity to the
moment and it's no less true today. As any diary keeper will attest,
the written word can reflect the writer's personality and just
as a writer of memoirs might refuse the computer's keyboard for
a fine Montblanc, so too has Mariano opted for the weighted balance
of an acoustic guitar over his more familiar electric. The result
is emotionally tactile, personable and warm.
~
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A
peek into Torcuato's 'Diary' reveals an artistry tempered by the
years and reinforced from the experience. The music recounts the
highlights: 'Ship,' which tells of his emigration from Buenos
Aires to Rio and the initial influence of a Brazilian guitar master
to provide direction: "That sound of his really caught me,"
he writes. "I think Baden Powell was one of the best acoustic
guitar players in the world, with a style all his own. He gave
the Brazilian guitar a new flavor indeed."
Or
this entry on 'Mariana,' a song written for his daughter: "When
she was very young, we went through a particularly beautiful moment
and I remained touched by that. Inspired, I picked up my guitar
and the song came about so easily, as if it already existed."
And
his observation about the impetus for the title track: "This
brings me right back to 9/11. It was as if all the pain from the
entire world was joined together and I think it was one of the
few times in my life that I felt that way. This continued for
the whole month and I used to go home to pick up the guitar, playing
those chords and creating melodies in my head. The denser moments
of the song reflect the anguish I was feeling but there are lighter
moments, too - the pretty side is about how the world should be."
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This
album also reflects Mariano's day-to-day achievements during the
last four years. "There came at point in my life where I
had to choose which direction my professional life would take.
What should I do," he pens. "Accept an important position
with a major record label in Rio de Janeiro or move to the United
States to start my musical career all over again?"
The
choice he made was a wise one. As Vice President of A&R for
EMI Brasil, Torcuato's musical talents expanded to include new
challenges- helping to develop new Brazilian acts and to produce
many top hits for radio.
~
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A
final entry: "Four years later, I returned to my life as
a musician and producer and I realized how good it was to accomplish
that mission for myself, because all the things I had learned
during those years gave me solid knowledge to continue. I think
that a musician must be concerned about music and his work, and
must invest in it completely. Time will bring the results."
That's
just as true for personal journals as it is for music, and Torcuato
Mariano's 'Diary' speaks volumes.
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