Theo Gonzalves
Novemberly: a jazz and poetry lounge act
2002
01 Soul to Share / Magnolia
02 Throwin' Game
03 That’s All (Brandt & Haymes)
04 'cuz U ("She is Vampyre!" Mix)
05 Bahay Kubo
06 All the Things He Was
Theo Gonzalves - piano
Farris Smith - bass (tracks 4 and 5)
Mark Foglia - drums (tracks 4 and 5)
Raym Picardo - flute (track 5)
Al Robles - vocals (track 6)
All tracks produced, arranged and composed (except where
indicated) by Theo Gonzalves.
Recorded at Jack Adams Hall, San Francisco.
Jean Vengua, Novemberly: Cool & Vibrant As Autumn Novemberly:
a Jazz & Poetry Lounge Act (review), The Pacific Reader,
a publication of the International Examiner.
Jazz pianist, Theo Gonzalves, as "Dr. Boogie Nights" has
played and recorded with the Filipino alternative rock
band, Bobby Banduria, lending to its often rambunctious
and humorous sounds an occasional cool sophistication
that has everything to do with jazz. He has also written
soundtracks for various independent films, and has recently
returned from the American Academy in Rome, where he was
a visiting artist.
Novemberly, Gonzalves' modestly-sized collection of six
tracks, was recorded live at San Francisco State University.
There's a lighthearted tone throughout the CD that goes
along with what seems to be the tongue-in-cheek subtitle:
"a Jazz and Poetry Lounge Act." Gonzalves' lush and playful
arrangements are indeed reminiscent of the relaxed atmosphere
one would find in a piano bar, where one can gather late
at night with good friends, ready to sing along with familiar
tunes, and call out requests for your favorites. Gonzalves
has a sure grasp of traditional jazz phrasing, and one
feels confident that he will give each song the respect
it deserves. I especially enjoyed his romantic interpretation
of Brandt & Haymes' "That's All."
In a different, er, vein, "Cuz U" ("She is a vampyre"
mix) felt edgy. Accompanied by Mark Foglia on drums and
Farris Smith on acoustic bass, Gonzalves’ arrangement
takes off, soaring and swooping like a sensual Filipina
aswang (the Philippine version of the vampire) in this
moody, yet lyrical piece, which is perhaps my favorite
on the CD. With flutist Raym Picardo, Gonzalves' interpretation
of the Filipino "Bahay Kubo" was a surprise, lending an
urban, postmodern feel to this traditional, folk melody
about the humble Filipino nipa hut. One more surprise
awaited on the last track: poet/storyteller/activist Al
Robles' spoken poetry accompanied by Gonzalves in a tribute
to jazz vocalist Flip Nu–ez, a lovely and delicate collaboration,
which sounds freshly improvised (whether it was, or not).
Robles' words could just as well describe the music of
Theo Gonzalves in this collection aptly entitled, Novemberly:
“Fresh, clean and vibrant as the first rising touch of
autumn."
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