MARACHELLE

Gatto Marte is an Italian group that plays "original compositions with classical influence and jazz improvisation" according to their website. The site also says they have "an attitude close to jazz and a twist of folk music, from Eastern Europe through the Mediterranean towards the North. Piano, double bass, violin and bassoon are the protagonists of this musical journey. The music is descriptive and imaginative; it often recollects little stories, which can be comical, tragicomically dramatic, with an ironical touch."

On this album they employ only violin, bassoon, piano, and guest percussion and yet the resulting sound is still a satisfying musical meal. There are actually three different parts presented on this, their 5th album. The first part is music written for the film "The Goldrush" by Charlie Chaplin. The second part is music written for the film "Balloonatic" by Buster Keaton. The final part of the CD is a collection of original songs not film related, called "The Short Stories Side."

The music is classical but other influences are definitely there, most notable to me are the folkish elements. This particular album has quite a few songs that, especially during the film scores, have a light, humorous, mischievous sound almost like the background music in old American cartoons from the 50s and 60s. This is pleasant enough on occasion although it is the more serious and dramatic pieces that appeal to me. I find myself sort of watching the clock through the light parts waiting for the more beautiful dramatic pieces. It is those types of songs that just cry out for some tasteful Italian vocals of the sort that you can hear on the Danae sample on this site.

My favorite track is the last one "Simplicissimus" which is also the longest track at 6 minutes. So as I was studying the liner notes I read that this song "is the story of the vicissitudes of a young man who, disgusted by the brutality and the stupidity of mankind, decides to become a hermit." HA! No wonder I like this one! It pretty much sums up my outlook on the world every time I turn on the television. But then I realize that there's no where left to become a hermit. All the good caves have been bulldozed for parking lots. So my escape is good music like this!

The delightful drawings of Sara Honeywell grace the booklet and are almost worth the price of admission alone. This is a talented and interesting group for anyone who appreciates classical music with modern sensibilities and a little humor/mischief mixed in for good measure!