Review Summary: The power of simplicity.
I don’t listen to a lot of Latin music, nor do I necessarily go out of my way to listen to jazz, but there’s just something special about Yamandu Costa. Aside from his near constant output of both reimagined standards and original work, the man has the unique ability to combine virtuosically complex guitar patterns with melodies of startling beauty. With
De Vida y Vuelta though, Costa has created a masterclass in simplicity.
Along with Domingo Rodriguez Oramas on the timple (a small stringed instrument resembling the ukulele, originating from the Canary Islands), Costa has crafted a uniquely poignant and lush album. The power in this album does not, however, stem from the dizzyingly complex jazz patterns which are his norm. No, the power of this album comes from its unwavering simplicity, and its refusal to do anything other than be an exemplary case of gorgeous music.
The entire thirty-plus minute runtime consists of Costa and Rodriguez Oramas on their instruments, and truly it is special. The album jumps and dips across tempos and emotions, with melodies that soar into stratospheric jubilation and dive into introspective and deeply melancholic tones. With Costa’s seven string classical guitar providing a counterpoint to Rodriguez Oramas’ masterfully frenetic playing.
It is an album which showcases the ability music has to bind people and bring them to new levels of understanding. At times, Costa and Rodriguez Oramas sound like they are playing one instrument. Their harmonious bond is evident through the joyful pleasure that pours out from this album, no matter the emotional weight of the song they are playing. They may be playing two different instruments and their arrangements may be different, but musically they are one; spiritually they are one.
I could go on and on, but it would actually spoil the album.
De Vida y Vuelta is a record to experience for yourself; to enjoy for yourself in a quiet moment when you need some peace from the everyday struggles of life. I don’t need to elucidate the joys of good music, but truly, this one is special.
