Misterioso
The four-piece ensemble Incendio's debut, Misterioso, is driven to varied-tempo levels of exotica and energetic excitement by the Strunz & Farah-like dual-guitar interaction of leader Jim Stubblefield (who plays the lead melodies) and Jean-Pierre Durand (who carries the rhythm lines). The two are certainly capable of those astounding, lightning quick passages that sound like dueling bumble bees. On "Luna," for instance, Stubblefield darts off the main melody line every few bars for sparkling solos that dare Durand to roll along faster.But the real joys of the disc come when the two go after a more lilting sound closer to that of Ottmar Liebert, but with more aggressive percussion pizzazz. The title track is a fitting example: the guitars swirl like hypnotic harp strings over a tender soundscape and then Nicole Falzone's pitter-patter percussion. Stubblefield and Durand then sway along beneath a lush, emotional violin solo by guest Novi Novog. While the guitar and percussion weavings are the core of the Incendio sound, Novog's few appearances and the staccato horn-section accents of "Festival Del Luces" add some necessary color. Durand also reveals a nice touch on acoustic piano, calling forth lush harmonies beneath Stubblefield's sweet, loping melody on "Emerald Sea."--- Jonathan Widran, JAZZIZ MagazineCopyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.--From Jazziz