Richard Galliano Septet - Piazzolla Forever (2003)

With his ninth album, "Piazzolla Forever" (Dreyfus Jazz) Galliano pays homage to one of his earliest inspirations, the man he often refers to as his "spiritual father." Rearranging 10 compositions by Piazzolla for accordion or bandoneon, piano and string quintet, he and the Richard Galliano Septet transform each tune into a personal statement of stirring beauty. Recorded on the sold-out world tour of the same name, "Piazzolla Forever" includes such classic Piazzolla compositions as "Le Quartre Saisons De Buenos Aires", "Libertango" and "Milonga Del Angel", but, with the guitar of Piazzollas original recordings replaced by violin, viola and cello, the timbre and free-flowing improvisation reflect Galliano's unique musical vision.