Concerts

by Scott YanowThe music on this CD, which is taken from a pair of duo concerts, is quite charming. Michel Portal, who alternates between reeds and a bandoneon, interacts closely with accordionist Richard Galliano on a variety of original material and folk songs. Their interpretations of a set of tangos and catchy tunes usually features the duet playing together and thinking as one rather than being a soloist accompanied by the other player. The rich melodies (several of these pieces deserve to catch on) and the compatibility of the two players make this an underrated program well worth exploring, particularly by those listeners who have never heard a good jazz accordion player.