Absolutely sublime…
Franco Ambrosetti – Sweet Caress – Enja #9852 – CD – 50:55 – ****1/2
(Artists: Franco Ambrosetti – flugelhorn; Alan Broadbent – piano, arranger, conductor; John Scofield – guitar; Scott Colley – bass; Peter Erskine – drums; Sara Caswell – violin, concertmaster)
Franco Ambrosetti is back with his latest ode to beauty, after his previous venture into ballads with strings on Nora, released in 2022, and reviewed here (https://www.audaud.com/franco-ambrosetti-nora-enja/). The same stellar line-up returns with the exception of Alan Broadbent, now on piano, replacing Uri Caine. In addition, Alan both handles the arrangements and conducts the strings.
Franco continues to have his masterful touch, with a drop dead gorgeous tone on his flugelhorn. On Sweet Caress, we find a song list of four Ambrosetti originals, along with Mal Waldron’s classic “Soul Eyes,” and tracks from Broadbent, and Charlie Haden.
There is a sweetness here that does not enter saccharine territory. Backed by a 29 piece orchestra, with veteran violinist, Sara Caswell, as concertmaster, and all arrangements and conducting by Mr. Broadbent, Franco again leads a mature exploration of love themes, both joyful, but not ignoring the melancholy changes that we experience over the years as we mature.
Recorded at Sear Sound in NYC, in December, 2023, the release was recorded and mixed by ace engineer, Jim Anderson. The superb acoustics are enhanced by a 5.1 Surround format at Skywalker Sound in Marin County, Ca. The entire project is produced by Franco and Jeff Levenson.
“Soul Eyes” sets the stage with swirling violins, and Ambrosetti and John Scofield sharing center stage. “Portrait of Jennie,” previously covered by Clifford Brown on his classic “with strings” album in 1955, will tug at your heartstrings with its lushness, and Broadbent’s piano solo. Franco sits out on the title track, content to let Sara Caswell’s violin shine with her brilliance.
“Habanera,” written by Franco for his wife, has drummer Peter Erskine’s mallets leading a gentle rendition that features Scofield’s solo, with flutes and strings floating on top.
Charlie Haden’s “Nightfall,” showcases Haden’s love for old film scores with its “mood” feel, and bassist Scott Colley has a sublime bass solo. Broadbent’s “Old Friends,” shows Alan’s piano mastery. The closer, Franco’s “When the Sun Never Sets,” ends our ballad feast with more flugelhorn richness.
In a world rife with worries, Franco Ambrosetti, provides a respite of mood enhancing beauty that truly soothes the soul. Let’s hope he can share more ballads with strings lushness with us again. It’s a most welcome tension reliever.
—Jeff Krow
Franco Ambrosetti – Sweet Caress
Tracklist:
Soul Eyes
Portrait of Jennie
Sweet Caress
Habanera
Nightfall
Old Friends
Colors of the Wind
When the Sun Never Sets
Also by Ambrosetti — Nora
