Matthieu Saglio – Voices (ACT, 2023)
“Voices” is a dream come true for talented cellist and composer Matthieu Saglio. Along with the musicians of his quartet, Saglio collaborates with a fascinating set of guest vocal soloists from various countries. Matthieu Saglio, who is also producer, is originally from Rennes in France, and has lived in the creative melting pot of Valencia (eastern Spain) for the past two decades. “I believe in dreams, and I run after them,” expressed Saglio.
Although Saglio’s exquisite, charming and colorful cello plays an essential role throughout the album as a captivating solo and rhythmic instrument, Saglio steps back on multiple occasions to spotlight the guests vocalists and members of his regular working quartet: drummer/percussionist Steve Shehan; pianist/keyboardist Christian Belhomme; and violinist Léo Ullmann. Of the quartet, the cellist says: “They are three truly extraordinary musicians, the perfect companions to bring my compositions to life.”
Stylistically, Matthieu Saglio incorporates a brilliant mix of chamber music, contemporary jazz, and world music spanning various continents. “Voices” manifests as an exquisite homage to the melodious vocal expressions resonating across our global soundscape. The album transcends the barriers of gender, age, and language, encapsulating the very essence of humanity itself. Saglio extended a personal invitation to world-class vocalists, accompanied by a melody specifically envisioned for each vocalist. Subsequently, he embarked upon a dialogue with each singer, expertly navigating this creative exchange from a distance.
The opening track reverberates with an aura of idealism, fervently envisioning the idyllic society that resides within the realms of our collective aspirations. Saglio used a recording of Nelson Mandela that calls for a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities’. “I was really happy to open this album with Mandela’s words,” asserted Saglio.
Guests include Peruvian icon Susana Baca; legendary Egyptian-Belgian vocalist Natacha Atlas; rising Flamenco singer Anna Colom; and Senegal’s phenomenal Wasis Diop. Also featured is Azerbaijani star Alim Qasimov. “To have him on the record really was one of my impossible dreams,” says Saglio. “I found his contact details with help from a German Festival who had recorded a concert with him, and went from there…“
Saglio was equally excited to work with Nils Landgren: “He is such a great musician, and I have also completely fallen in love with his unique way of singing ballads, and the beautiful lyrics he put to my composition.”
In addition, Matthieu Saglio invited his younger brother Camille, a gifted vocalist whose voice is described as trumpet-like. “He genuinely has invented a new language and brings an extraordinary sense of musical freedom,” says Matthieu with both respect and fraternal love.
Buy Voices.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.