Giancarlo Vulcano - Vetro
Artist: Giancarlo Vulcano
Title: Vetro
Label: Innova 688
Reviewed by Mark F. Turner
Guitarist/composer Giancarlo Vulcano illustrates in grand fashion the idea of "less can be more." His recording, Vetro is a work of eight detailed compositions with a sparse group of musicians and instruments. With intricate writing that incorporates mood and minimalism the music possesses elements that are cinematic, poignant, and lingering.
These ideas have incubated over time, from Vulcano's academic/graduate music studies, various works in small bands and his leading work for independent and blockbuster films including Gangs of New York (2002), A History of Violence (2005) and The Departed (2006).
Repeating themes yield interesting results throughout, as noted on the "Portrait" tracks. The endearing melody is first introduced via a simple piano solo on "Portrait of Arthur Rimbaud," its theme fading and resurfacing at different intervals. It later takes on another persona in "Portrait of Richard Manuel" as Vulcano articulates the catchy tune on guitar with the same satisfying results. The third variation, and the most energetic, is the recording's final track, "Self Portrait," redone in a fresh hip-hopped, electronics manipulated version that totally rocks; yet like a distant cousin of the others, its strong family resemblance is still evident.
The music's ability to create varying simplistic moods is also fascinating. The guitar/violin duo intro on "Tierra del Fuego" and "3 x 3, no. 2" (showing Vulcano's fine guitar picking) both have welcoming Texas mid-west overtones. The somber and introspective "Piano Death Theme" has a feel of loneliness and the colorful "Music for Fish Tanks," featuring solo clarinet, displays a sense of isolation.
Many things in life can become crowded, strenuous, and noisy. Vetro is a pleasant departure from the daily routine, providing cleverly subtle music that is thought provoking and uncomplicated.
Tracks: Portrait of Arthur Rimbaud; Tierra del Fuego;
3 x 3, no. 2; Portrait of Richard Manuel; 3 x 3, no. 1;
Piano Death Theme; Music for Fish Tank; Self Portrait.
Personnel: Giancarlo Vulcano: guitar; Yvonne Troxler: piano;
Jesse Schiffrin: violin (track 2); Rómulo Benavides: violin (track 5);
Enid Blount: clarinet.
Label website: http://www.innovarecordings.com/