Track Listing

1. Introduction
2. Cristiano
3. I Want You
4. Seven Servants
5. Blue Eyes
6. Eclipse
7. 1812
8. Woman on the Lake
9. Rosa
10. Sweet Glenda
11. Encounter
12. Auld Lang Syne
13. Finale

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218087 in Music
• Released on: 1999-04-27
• Number of discs: 1

From Jazziz
Gato Barbieri's last release, the smooth-jazz success Qué Pasa?, reasserted the Argentinian's chart presence after a 10-year absence from recording. However, unlike Philippe Saisse's technology-heavy production for that disc, Che Corazón emphasizes the human quality of barbieri's sound, seemingly affirming the tenor saxophonist's renewed commitment to life.

While his lustrous tone possesses the romantic passion of an operatic tenor, Gato's powerful presence still has the sonic thrill that listeners associate with the tenor saxophone. His sense of the "long line" in improvising - a process that his old associate Steve Lacy once called "taking a line for a walk" - adorns some ravishing melodies here. "Encounter" has warm instrumental colors, courtesy of Mike Ricchiuti's keyboards, and features the ace percussion team of Sammy Figueroa and David Charles. "Seven Servants," a darkly mysterious Barbieri composition, is given an expansive orchestral arrangement by producer Chuck Loeb, who also contributes fluid guitar work throughout.

Loeb is a worthy collaborator on Corazón. His arranging devices, such as the low-register keyboard dance half-way through "The Woman on the Lake" and the seductively mesmeric opening of "I Want You" (done in tribute to Gato's late friend, Marvin Gaye), show him to be a sympathetic elucidator of Barbieri's music. His string writing on Gato's joyful take on "Auld Lang Syne" is an eloquent expression of happiness. The latter permeates all of Gato's music, throughout a rich career that spans more than three decades. Che Corazón is a wonderful gift from a master.

--Larry Nai, JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Beautiful; his most poignant release ever
When it comes to expressing himself through his music, Gato Barbieri has never been one to hold back and Che Corazon is no exception. In fact, I think this may be his most poignant release ever, a point emphasized by his inclusion of a wonderful series of family photos in the liner notes. In my opinion, "Cristiano" is the most beautiful song he has written since "She Is Michelle." Its joyful exuberance gives Che Corazon a very beautiful and strong start. But this album is alternately exultant and wistful, and it is this combination that makes it so very poignant. The collaboration with Chuck Loeb gives a very nice, fresh feeling to the music, especially where Loeb has guitar solos, like on 1812, which I love. For me the absence of drum machines gives it a much crisper quality than Que Pasa had, and really helps emphasize the beauty of the melodies and arrangements that Gato and Chuck Loeb have created. If you enjoyed Que Pasa, you will probably love Che Corazon.

From top to bottom, Gato's best ever! Bravo!
Gato seems to be getting better with age. From top to bottom, this may be his best work ever, with all due respect to "Caliente" and my all-time favorite song "Europa". This album connects with the soul, letting us feel Gato's many moods and musical influences, and his nostalgic return to his native Argentina. I truly enjoyed the percussion sounds in "Encounter" and the beautiful violins in "Auld Lang Syne" ... but make no mistake about it, Gato's distinctive and melodic tenor sax once again shows why he has no equal. Bravo, Gato!

Great. Best of '99 Smooth Jazz
Gato...hit or miss in my opinion. I love this CD. It's more than smooth. It's slick and very sexy. I have never gotten so into a CD as i was with this. I have the cheesy 70's material from him, and it pales immensely next to this music. I love everything with the exception of the bad version of Auld Lang. It just doesnt fit. I love the song Blue Eyes. It takes me to Argentina, and puts a colorful fruit drink in my hands. It makes me feel like i'm standing under a waterfall. How can any song do that you ask? Listen to this one and find out for yourself. Enjoy it. This disc might be the last one to take you on such a journey...at least from this artist. A-