Recent CDs: Fresu, Galliano, Lundgren

Paolo Fresu, Richard Galliano, Jan Lundgren, Mare Nostrum (ACT). In the hands of three masters, another unusual combination of instruments produces music that can transport listeners into dreaminess unless they are concentrating on the depth of its inventiveness. The
Italian trumpeter Fresu, the French accordianist Galliano and the Swedish pianist Lundgren (l. to r.) blend in a program of their own compositions and one each by Jobim, Trenet and Ravel. The name of Lundgren’s title piece translates as “Our Sea.” That opening tune introduces an aura of reflection that never dissipates even through the relative liveliness of Fresu’s “Years Ahead” and Galliano’s “Para Jobim” or the compellingly familiar melodies of Ravel’s “Ma Mere L’Oye. The tonal qualities of the three musicians are so distinctive, their harmonic resources so rich and melodic gifts so powerful that there is substance throughout. This is satisfying music with a long shelf life.