Artist: Stefano Pastor
Title: Chants
Cat Number: SLAMCD519
Year released: 2009
Format: CD & all digital platforms
Barcode: 5028386051923
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Amazing solo album by the Italian violin maestro Stefano Pastor, performing a programme of originals and standards, including “Naima”, “I’ll Remember April”, “Caravan”, “Easy Living”, “The Song is You” and “There is no Greater Love”.
“I think Stefano Pastor is the best thing that’s happened to the violin in our music since Stuff Smith” – Connie Crothers
Stefano Pastor: violin, viola, vocals, mandolin, guitars and percussion
“On the opening “Naima” he has overdubbed his accompaniment on acoustic guitar. The old Italian pop tune “Chi Me Ha Insegnato” is one of the strongest tracks, as Pastor sings the Italian lyric over an intriguing violin and viola “overdubbed orchestra.” His solo violin version of “Caravan” brings out the Gypsy Jazz feel inherent in the tune. Pastor’s voice is soft and limpid, like Caetano Veloso perhaps at moments, and the album closes well with “Danca do Solidao” sung in Brazilian over mandolin, guitar and percussion, with a violin solo passage.” – Phillip McNally, Cadence
“Pastor does everything, including violin, viola, vocals (superb, by the way), mandolin, guitar and percussion. This is one of the most interesting CD’s I’ve listened to in 2010…it certainly has the elements all jazz listeners will want…improvisation, free spirit and high energy, but it can not be shoved into any pigeonholes…beauty is the keyword that comes to mind, particularly on cuts like the opening track, “Naima”, my favourite piece on the album. One of the most beautiful vocals I’ve heard (on any CD I’ve reviewed in the last couple of years) was on “Chi mi Ha Insegnato”. This is an all around wonderful listen.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation
“A solo violin album, or almost, because he overdubs some tracks with guitar and mandolin. His music is improvised, on known themes, full of warm intimacy…drenched in Italian folk and jazz tradition, full of melancholy, yet at the same time free as the wind…the album is a very daring and personal musical statement.” – Stef, The Free Jazz Collective
“The pieces are not only technically elegant but also viscerally moving. “Dança de solidão” is moving in the most obvious way, striking the heart and the hips with equal vigour. It’s a Portuguese song with Latin flair anchored by a firm, if generous, control of melody. Ellington’s classic “Caravan” is a clear representation of the classic turned upon its head; Pastor’s take is relaxed gone rouge. It is casually sensual but reaches some frenetic points.” – Karla Cornejo, All About Jazz
Recorded by Stefano Pastor, Genoa, Italy, September 2006. Except track 1 recorded January 2008
Mixed and mastered by Stefano Pastor
Produced by Stefano Pastor and George Haslam