I Recommend Concha Y Toro Merlot With Lontano

Review: Lontano (Audio CD) by Tomasz Stanko Quartet
ECM 2006
1. Lontano, Part1 12:50
2. Cyrhla 7:04
3. Song For Ania 7:39
4. Kattorna 6:29
5. Lontano, Part2 14:56
6. Sweet Thing 6:50
7. Trista 4:39
8. Lontano, Part3 12:01
9. Tale 3:55

It took me a few plays before 'I got it'. The compositions and performances on "Lontano", reflect the cumulative genius of Tomasz Stanko and an incredible trio of musicians that make up the Tomasz Stanko Quartet. The three musicians that back up Stanko are Pianist Marcin Wasilewski, Slawomir Kurkiewicz on bass and Michal Miskiewicz on drums. This Trio sometimes call themselves the Marcin Wasilewski Trio and sometimes the Simple Acoustic Trio.

That trio of musicians have been together and playing with Stanko since their teens.

The first cut, "Lantano Part 1", starts off with Wasilewski's quiet piano notes then is joined with gentle nearly silent percussion emanating from Miskiewicz's gentle brushes on the high-hat. The music grows with Kurkiewicz's subtle bass and finally Stanko's moody trumpet into a melodic free flowing soundstage with jazz interplay between highly skilled intuitive players. This beautiful piece changes mood and pace as it grows offering surprise after surprise along the way. Born peacefully it then morphs into a bold trumpet melody paced by hypnotic percussion. You can tell Miskiewicz is really getting into the performance as he can no longer contain himself when he exclaims a muffled "yeah".

This is free jazz performed at the very highest level. Every track is an original Stanko composition and beautifully performed. I consider "Lontano" a masterpiece, a jazz classic equal to "Kind Of Blue". Yes, Polish/European jazz has evolved to the very highest level.

Review: Concha Y Toro Merlot 2008
Country: Chile from the Vinyard Casillero del Diablo Reserve
$8-$10 750ml

Don't be put off by the low cost of this deep ruby wine. You can spend more and get much less for your money. This lively aromatic Merlot strongly wafts fresh raspberries with light touches of smoke. Let it breath in your glass for a good 10 minutes before enjoying the complex flavors.

On the palate, this gentle wine is fruity and delightful with rich berry varieties, tangy plum and even a slight hint of chocolate. The finish is pleasant, somewhat dry (but not overly so) while the tannins linger on the palette.

This Chilean wine compliments the European jazz of Lontano with its subtle flavors, mellow character and dark moody color. Open the cork when playing the first opening notes of Wasilewski's piano on Lantano Part1. Let the mood of the music, the euphoria of the wine take your mind on a beautiful surrealistic journey. These world class musicians will be your guides.