Steve Markoff, Patricia Lazzara, Allison Brewster Franzetti – “Liama”
Steve Markoff, Patricia Lazzara, Allison Brewster Franzetti – “Liama” – Single Review
Beautiful stuff from this trio…though I have to admit, that was somewhat expected after reviewing the music they made together on the album Timeless earlier this year. A reliable collaboration you can count on to deliver a solid mix of sweetness & instrumental talent – Steve Markoff (Alto Flute), Patricia Lazzara (Flute), and Allison Brewster Franzetti (Piano) return to our pages in stunning form with their brand-new single “Liama” from their upcoming album, Romances In Blue, due out in the fall of 2020.
Word on the street here…according to my notes…is that “Liama” comes from a Cirque Du Soleil feature. I’ll admit…sometimes I’m into what the legendary art-troupe create, other times it’s probably a bit more theatrical than I’m naturally inclined to gravitate towards. Most of it I actually catch on shows like America’s Got Talent specials & whatnot where they’re featured guests…and from what I understand, being there live to witness one of Cirque Du Soleil’s shows makes all the difference in the world. So I get that…I know I’m outta my depth here a little bit when it comes to the content they create and how it’s connected to so many people around the globe from only having experienced them onscreen. But like all things I don’t know a whole ton about, if there’s an avenue into it that involves music, you know I’m game – and when it comes to that aspect, I’ve always been able to appreciate the songs that come along what Cirque Du Soleil creates. After experiencing the trio cover a variety of Pop-culture mainstream hits on the Timeless record earlier this year – it was actually quite a pleasant transition into “Liama,” which without being as familiar with as I was the songs on Timeless, seemed like it was a more natural setting for the trio. And if that’s somehow not the case, the kudos to them all for making it sound that way!
Make no mistake…they’re quite a talented trio…half of the reason things come out flowing so smoothly for them in these recordings comes down to the sheer fact that they’ve all got the skills individually, and when combined become something even more special. The other half I’d say comes from clever song choice and investing themselves passionately within the material they select – that was indeed the case with Timeless, and the rule seems to apply once more with their new single “Liama.” Originally composed by Benoit Jutras, the trio has chosen wisely in selecting this tune…you can feel their attachment & love for this melody in the way they play it. Franzetti sounds gorgeous as the song begins, soon joined by Markoff and Lazzara to follow, leading the melody & music as “Liama” twists & turns through a wide array of emotions, ups & downs, melancholy & triumph…if you’re listening closely you can hear a whole world’s worth of sensory moments that’ll connect to you along the way. Specifically, it’s the magic they share between them as a whole when all three players are unified together; you get the soothing tones from Steve’s alto flute providing the base for the melody, the charm from Patricia’s bright & inspired flute adding that spark, and Franzetti preserving the sweetness with every note she plays. Progressions in the structure like how the melody changes just past the first-minute mark sound remarkable, heartfelt, and engaging…there’s a fragility to this tune that I really enjoyed. According to my notes here, “Liama” is usually found in Cirque Du Soleil’s high-wire act…and somehow, that makes complete sense to me; it’s calm enough to not wreck a performer’s concentration, yet still hints at how breakable everything is at the same time through the selection of sounds and such careful composure.
You’ll find no complaints from me – the trio sounds spectacular together once again and well on their way to a beautiful new record full of soul-soothing music that is certain to please the Instrumental/World Music crowd, while introducing a whole new audience to these radiant genres. Another job well done and a performance they should certainly be proud of…the trip puts real heart into “Liama” – and as a result of their own attachment & love for this melody, they take us with them on this sweet & subtle journey, and we feel it just as much as they do. Well done.
Find more music by Steve Markoff, Patricia Lazzara, and Allison Brewster Franzetti at Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4w2ahQaPv7SwgPYbNmXKpo
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