‘So Far From Home’ by guitarist Torcuato Mariano is as surprising as it is delightful. Given his South American heritage one might have expected Mariano to use this release as his homage to the music of bossa nova that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Instead, as if from no-where and under the good guidance of nuGroove Records, he has delivered ten original smooth jazz stunners that look likely to instantly catapult him into the upper echelons of the genre.
A native of Buenos Aires, Mariano grew up listening to the music of his own country yet was also greatly influenced by artists such as Santana and Stevie Wonder. As a teenager Mariano relocated to Brazil and studied with Claudio Gabis who exposed him to the thriving music scene in Rio de Janeiro. He subsequently toured with Sergio Mendes, Ivan Lins and Gal Costa but in 1994 launched his solo career with the release on Windham Hill of the CD ‘Paradise Station’. Combining his Latin heritage with rock and blues influences it was a debut that paved the way for four more albums (some of which were re-released in Brazil) with the latest being the excellent ‘So Far From Home’.
It opens with the mid tempo title cut, an uplifting slice of smooth jazz that checks all the right boxes and the groove remains totally ‘in the pocket’ for the catchy, foot tapping ‘British Time’. In fact the album’s first five tracks are all contemporary jazz at its very best and only during the latter stages of the collection does Mariano betray signs of his undoubted versatility. This is particularly so with the jazzy ‘DF’ and the deliciously complex Latin concoction ‘Magic House’ which is taken to exciting and uncharted territory by the featured bandolin of Hamilton de Holanda. Later, when Mariano takes a leaf from the book of boyhood hero Carlos Santana, the result is the understated yet decidedly bluesy ‘Blues Days’ but perhaps the most overtly Latin number on the CD is the wondrous ‘Ipanema Sunset’. As light as air and as smooth as velvet this is a tune that simply glides however, that said, Mariano remains at his best when handling the rhythm and melody of his own outstanding contemporary jazz compositions.
He evokes Peter White at his most tender with the melodically beautiful ‘New World’ and keep things relaxed for ‘Tell Me Your Dreams’. Here the interventions of smooth jazz superstar Michael Lington add hugely to the melancholy of the piece while although ‘Midnight Words’ starts off in turned down mode it gradually builds with the energy that a subtle horn section provides. Mariano retains this dimension for ‘Back To The Road’ which is arguably the album’s best track. Its lusciously horn driven vibe complements to perfection Mariano’s superb playing and is topped off by a sax solo from Mercelo Martins that is right on the money.
‘So Far From Home’ as been one of the biggest musical treats of the year so far. Look out for it.
For more and to get the latest on Torcuato Mariano go to www.myspace.com/torcuatomariano.