Review of Danilo Perez' 'Across the Crystal Sea'

Pianist Danilo Perez' Across the Crystal Sea brings to mind a canvass over which an artist methodically and lightly drags sweeping brushstrokes. Of Claus Ogerman, the arranger and conductor of the full orchestra heard on the album, Perez says, “As the musical director, he provided me with both a story and a landscape, and then told me, ‘I want you to paint.’” Perez executes this technique with facile, and the result is subtle and wistful.

Beautiful, Yet Restricted

The visual nature of Across the Crystal Sea is the source of its beauty. The fact that the beauty of each track is of the same type (lethargic and pensive) just barely detracts from the album’s appeal. The real problem is that Perez, who is known for being able to stretch music as far as it will go, most notably in Wayne Shorter’s quartet, seems too limited by the orchestration of the pieces on the album.

This of course takes into consideration that the project is very different from that of a small ensemble. Each track is arranged for full orchestra and jazz trio, and built on a theme by a different classical composer, including Hugo Distler, Sibelius, Manuel de Falla, Rachmaninov, and Massenet. Olgerman composed the final track, and also arranged two standards, sung wonderfully by Cassandra Wilson.

Confined by the Borders

Perez plays brilliantly within the structures, improvising sparsely and with masterful lyricism. The problem is that the structures are so clearly defined and noticeable. The listener is as aware of the canvass as he is of the painting. Perhaps the recording process is the culprit. Perez and the trio, including bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash, recorded their part in New York, and the orchestra was recorded a month later in Los Angeles. Separate recording sessions don’t necessarily prevent good music, but in this case, because of the magnitude of the project, they seem to have hindered it.

Still Worth Hearing

Despite a general lack of energy and electricity that can only come when every member of the ensemble is free to experiment and express, the album is well worth hearing. The moods created by Ogerman’s arrangements and Perez’ sensitive improvisations hit hard-to-reach places by combining melancholy with mystery. Perez’ ease at fitting into the role of painter displays his amazing and broad talent.

Release Date:

August 26th, 2008 on Emarcy Records

Personnel:

• Danilo Perez – Piano
• Cassandra Wilson – Vocals on tracks 3 & 6
• Christian McBride – Bass
• Lewis Nash – Drums
• Luis Quintero – Percussion
• Bruce Dukov – Concert Master

Track Listing:

1. Across the Crystal Sea
2. Rays and Shadows
3. Lazy Afternoon
4. The Purple Condor
5. If I Forget You
6. (All of a Sudden) My Heart Sings
7. The Saga of Rita Joe
8. Another Autumn

More Albums by Danilo Perez