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Karim Baggili Quartet : Cuatro con Cuatro (B,2005)****
This is an acoustic all-world fusion release as a perfect blend with just some Spanish, world jazz fusion and chamber music influences and some Middle Eastern touches. The music often is based on Spanish cores, (use of flamenco guitar, some Spanish vocals and some rhytmic patterns), has a few Middle Eastern associations (use of oud/Arabic lute, some themes), has some jazz touches (flute and soprano sax, piano). The music has an effect like chamber music (cello, the smooth delicacy) with a jazz/flamenco accent. Every member knows exactly where to put the right accents to maintain a rich and warm sound.
Leader of the group is Belgium born Karim Baggili, from Jordanian and Yugoslavian origin. He learned techniques on the flamenco guitar, while his interest in Arabic music made him buy an oud in Jordan. Karim made some pieces for orchestra, composed music for some documentaries and a short film, played with several jazz artists, and focused on his guitar playing. In 2000 he won the first price of the Open String Guitar Competition in Osnabrück. Philippe Laloy developed his Jazz interest and soprano saxophone playing at the University of Lethbridge, Canada. With this quartet he often plays flute. The group also has the multiple awarded cellist Kathy Adams and percussionist Osvaldo Napoles, who specialized in Latin American and afro-Cuban rhythms, which we don't hear too often. Nathalie Loriers contributes with jazzy piano on one track. Recommended.
