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For multi- instrumentalist Gabriele Poso, the roots of soul are clearly the sound of the drum, if the cover of this album is anything to go by. Holding the root of soul in his hand as he moves against a rich coral blue background, Poso keeps his face off the front cover, opting instead to let the music speak for itself.
Born in Sardinia and raised in Southern Italy, Poso’s passion for music began from an early age. After learning a variety of musical instruments, including the guitar, Poso took his love of afro-Cuban rhythm to new heights by studying the music of his childhood in universities in both Rome and Puerto Rico before releasing his debut album, From the Genuine World, in 2008.
For multi- instrumentalist Gabriele Poso, the roots of soul are clearly the sound of the drum, if the cover of this album is anything to go by. Holding the root of soul in his hand as he moves against a rich coral blue background, Poso keeps his face off the front cover, opting instead to let the music speak for itself.
Born in Sardinia and raised in Southern Italy, Poso’s passion for music began from an early age. After learning a variety of musical instruments, including the guitar, Poso took his love of afro-Cuban rhythm to new heights by studying the music of his childhood in universities in both Rome and Puerto Rico before releasing his debut album, From the Genuine World, in 2008.
Unsurprisingly for an instrumentalist, Poso needs the rendering thoughts of others to speak for him vocally. And it’s these songs that make up the high points of his second album, giving his music a voice and personality that for most an instrumental track alone cannot bring. With that said, as an arranger, Poso comes across as a master of his game executing the instrumentation with a certain joie de vivre.
Despite its title, Poso’s latest, the Roots of Soul, is not a soul album by any means and the roots of Poso’s own soul are clearly the vigour’s jazz- infused and energizing Afro-Cuban workouts that drive the beat of this album, thanks, in no small part, to the music of his father’s record collection that Poso soaked up as a young child.
Comprising thirteen tracks and coming in at just under an hour, Paso composed and arranged all songs on Roots of Soul, except for the covers of the Latin standard, “Tin Tin Deco,” the tropical sounding “Afro Blue” with its “ah, ah” chants and Dawn Penn’s reggae classic, “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No),” featuring roots singer Osunlade.
Roots of Soul opens with the resplendent and remarkable “My Sunshine,” featuring the expressive and captivating voice of Canadian singer Tanya Michelle, a voice which can only be described as truly remarkable. The undoubted highlight of the entire album, “My Sunshine” leaves an immediate impression on the memory that will have any soul buff hypnotized . And this song alone is worth the price of admission here. Michele’s sensuous and yearning voice leads the stunning instrumentation that is up lifting, poignant and calming all at once, with Poso proving his worth by surrounding her pining voice with a buoyancy of sounds, from the mournful tenor saxophone to a haunting cello and cooling piano that will have you reaching for the repeat button.
Other songs worthy of attention are “A Night With You,” which wouldn’t feel out of place on an Angie Stone album with its “I’m free” backing chants and the introspective “Into My Heart,” both featuring singer Naliah Porter. Just as interesting isthe urgent “With Me Come Fly,” featuring Italian singer Dionisia Cassiano, its effervescent and relentless flute capturing the imagery of a bird in full flight. As for the instrumental tracks worthy of attention, the insistent “Dona Flora” with its Earl Klugh/ George Benson- type guitar scats and the marvelously- titled “Spirit Conversation” showcase Poso’s mastery.
While Gabriele Paso can’t sing, he has clearly enveloped Roots of Soul with a kaleidoscope of rich musical colours that blend together to create a diverse and cohesive sound, and has brought in talented vocalists to complete his attractive picture. Recommended.
By Garry Moran