Amar La Trama

Jorge Drexler's first studio album in four years and ninth to date, Amar la Trama is nothing short of tremendous, another excellent full-length effort by the Uruguayan singer/songwriter who resides in Spain. Like previous albums by Drexler, it showcases his sublime talent as a lyricist and his enchanting vocals, which are comfortingly reminiscent of Brazilian legend Caetano Veloso. From a musical standpoint, however, it's rather unique among his recent full-length releases. Unafraid of challenging himself and taking artistic risks, he recorded Amar la Trama over the course of four days live in a Madrid television studio in front of a small audience of lucky fans who were selected in an online contest. The reasoning behind this recording method was that it would give the music the engaging directness of a concert recording, albeit in a controlled environment that allowed for multiple takes and studio production quality. Drexler sings and plays guitar and is joined by a band comprised of additional guitarists, a rhythm section, a horn section, backup vocalists, and auxiliary musicians. Former collaborator Matias Cella is credited with production. Notably absent is the light electronica of previous albums. In contrast, the music of Amar la Trama is totally organic and mostly acoustic. Moreover, the horn section that pops up now and then gives the album a touch of jazz, most evidently on "I Don't Worry About a Thing" and "Todos a Sus Puestos." The former song, a cover of the Mose Allison standard from 1962 that teams Drexler with Ben Sidran on duet vocals and organ, is a lot of fun even if it's somewhat out of place here on Amar la Trama. Other guest features include Spanish guitarist Josemi Carmona on "Las Transeuntes" and Spanish vocalist/actress (and girlfriend) Leonor Watling on "Toque de Queda." While there's nothing except good songs on Amar la Trama, there are a few standouts worthy of special mention, namely "La Trama y el Desenlace," "Mundo Abisal," and "Una Cancion Me Trajo Hasta Aqui." ~ Jason Birchmeier

映画「モーターサイクル・ダイアリーズ」の主題歌でアカデミー賞を獲得して話題を呼んだ、ウルグアイのシンガー・ソングライターによる新作。少し憂いを帯びたロマンティックな囁きヴォーカルによる、瑞々しくセンティメンタルなメロディーにグッとくる。スタジオでライヴ録音されたという哀愁感漂うシンプルなアコースティック・サウンドは繊細かつ優しく、随所で見せる音響派的アプローチも聴きどころ。
bounce (C)ダイサク・ジョビン

ウルグアイ出身で、チェ・ゲバラの若き日を描いた映画『モーターサイクル・ダイアリーズ』の主題歌に抜擢されたことで多くの人に知られることになったホルヘ・ドレクスレルの新作。これまでの作品ではエレクトロニカ的なサウンドも彼の持ち味のひとつだったが、今回はその要素を排し、数人の観客を前にライヴ録音を敢行したということで、彼の繊細さやシンガー・ソングライターとしての魅力という点では、いままでで一番かもしれない。ブラジルのカエターノ・ヴェローゾの音楽性にも通じる秀逸な仕上がり。
intoxicate (C)篠原裕治