Quadro Nuevo sails through the myth-ridden world of the Aeolian Islands in a large ensemble of artists.
In the encounter with Odysseus, Jason, Penelope, Athena, Sirens and other godlike figures, music full of rhythmic power and archaic timbres unfolds.
An album that is definitely different from all previous ones by Quadro Nuevo.
You’ll find hymnal improvisations alongside a driven ska groove, a sea bossa nova in early-season 5/4 time as well as a heartfelt lullaby for the fallen Icarus or an earthy ballad for the waiting Penelope.
There were inspirations.
Odysseus’ swashbuckling journey back to the old homeland.
Aeneas’ search for a new home.
Icarus’ flight and flight to freedom.
Jason and his Argonaut companions hunting for the Golden Fleece as a symbol of power, wealth, luck, or even wisdom.
The great journeys, interwoven a thousand times with the gods and myths of antiquity, became central epics of Western culture.
What relevance do they have in our modern society?
Do their settings offer more than sunny bathing, Mediterranean food and a few temple remains?
Can we even derive references to current issues such as migration, climate change or the littering of the oceans?
An adventurous collective around the band Quadro Nuevo traced these questions.
The answers should be neither scientific nor political. But artistic.
The essence of the mountain becomes sound.
The vastness of the view becomes melody.
Mulo Francel is a saxophonist and globetrotter. With his ensemble Quadro Nuevo he has been traveling the world for 25 years. As if he wanted to get an overview, the multiple ECHO prize winner soars high in all these places.
Growing up at the foot of the Alps, mountaineering is a natural need for the instrumental artist.
“Up here, the mind gains a generous attitude. The problems and proportions of everyday life stay in the valley.”
Over several years, in different countries, Mulo Francel climbed with musical friends*. Sometimes arduous, but always in good spirits. Always with high quality recording equipment. Always with an instrument. On the almost 3000 meter high seat of the gods, Olympus, they dragged a bass-balalaika and a copper tube glockenspiel in addition to a saxophone and an Indian harmonium.
A relaxed conversation. A fascinating dialogue. Across stylistic and temporal boundaries, a saxophone and a piano communicate with the old masters.
With a spirit of freedom and sensitivity, the duo Nicole Heartseeker and Mulo Francel spans a connection from the now to the classical era. Composers from Bach to Caccini, Schubert, Schumann to Piazzolla are given a completely new listening perspective and fall into a musical fountain of youth.
Canzoni della Bella Italia
