NEW NAIM US RELEASE: CHARLIE HADEN & ANTONIO FORCIONE 'HEARTPLAY'

ALL ABOUT JAZZ REVIEW!!!

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Heartplay
Charlie Haden / Antonio Forcione | NAIM
By John Kelman, All About Jazz

Fans of Charlie Haden’s lyrical duet album with guitarist Pat Metheny, Beyond the Missouri Sky (Verve, 1997), will find the bassist’s collaboration with guitarist Antonio Forcione, Heartplay not the same, but certainly a not-too-distant cousin. Unlike Metheny, however, who utilizes an array of acoustic and electric instruments, Forcione works strictly with nylon string acoustic guitar here, making Heartplay a less texturally diverse record, but an appealing one nevertheless.

The set of eight tunes is split almost equally between Haden and Forcione originals, with pianist Fred Hersch’s “Child’s Song” the only exception. The overall ambience is one of gentle economy, but largely without the Midwestern flavor of much of Missouri Sky--“Child’s Song,” again, being an exception. Instead, the songs range from the breezy Mediterranean vibe of Forcione’s “Anna” to Haden’s Spanish-tinged “La Pasionaria,” where Forcione’s solo intro demonstrates a virtuosity that only highlights his considerable restraint throughout the rest of the disc.

Forcione’s tranquil “Snow” is an almost painfully beautiful ballad, with an evocative melody that leads perfectly into Haden’s enduring “Silence,” another song that’s all the more powerful and expansive for its use of space and calm. The resonance of both Haden and Forcione’s instruments, and the ability to hear literally every note decay into silence, is the result of Naim Audio’s audiophile recording techniques, making Heartplay a particularly warm and enveloping listen.

Haden’s penchant for the simple line and the elegant pulse is a perfect complement for Forcione, whose use of the subtlest of dynamics creates the most vivid of expressions. The material ranges from under three minutes to over eleven, with through compositions contrasting those used as vehicles for lengthier collective collaboration.

For those who haven’t heard of Focione before--despite his having ten other albums out on Naim--Heartplay is a fine introduction. For Haden fans, it’s another in a growing collection of duet albums with artists including Metheny, pianist John Taylor and pianist/guitarist Egberto Gismonti that makes a compelling argument for the less-is-more approach.

BILLBOARD MAGAZINE REVIEW!!!

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By Philip Van Vleck, Billboard

This collaboration between bassist Charlie Haden and guitarist Antonio Forcione is an awfully appealing duet encounter. "Heartplay" is a lovely bit of acoustic jazz, comprising seven original tunes and a fine cover of Fred Hersch's "Child's Song." The vibe is gentle and contemplative, and the performance is a study in patience and accent. Haden's bass has an infectious warmth, and he displays his typical fluency throughout the tracks. Forcione's guitar is by turns bright then moody; his sound on the Hersch cover is crystalline, and his finger work is deft. Then, cue up Forcione's song "Nocturne" and check out how he picks his way through the melody; the silence between notes is as portentous as his guitar.

CADENCE MAGAZINE REVIEW!!!

Jay Collins, Cadence Magazine
October/November/December 2007 Issue

Bassist Charlie Haden really needs no introduction to any of Cadence’s readership, a consummate artist through and through, with formidable instrumental and compositional skills. Once a firebrand, Haden’s recent partnerships have found him in more relaxed terrain than in settings where he made his most significant mark (e.g., his Liberation Music Orchestra and work with Ornette Coleman). One such relationship has been forged with guitarist Antonio Forcione, an Italian-born,
UK-based acoustic player of merit, whose languid approach works well in the company of Haden. Heartplay, recorded for the British audiophile label, Naim, pairs the duo for their first encounter that focuses on their
compositions.
The record is indeed an introspective, laid-back affair perfect for those times when a little peace and quiet is sorely needed. The passionate “Anna” sets the tone, a romantic ode where Forcione’s supple attack meshes well with Haden’s melodic sensibilities. Along similar lines, the wistful “If . . .” with its childlike intricacy, as well as the picturesque
“Snow,” paint mellow, yet colorful patterns.
As for Haden’s compositions, the Spanish tinge is alive and well in this master’s thoughts. “La Pasionaria” highlights Forcione’s flamencoinfused approach and Haden’s vibrant sound. The restrained melancholia of “Silence” is mesmerizing, while the record’s closer, “For Turiya” is perhaps the disc’s most potent and moving piece. With its subtle beauty
conjuring up the reflective mindset, the performance maintains its strength by the duo’s unity and sense of artfully filling in the space during its unhurried eleven minute duration. Finally, pianist Fred Hersch,
an underrated composer for sure, gets the nod on “Child’s Song,” a rare moment of heart-warming playfulness. Deceptively simple in execution and presentation, this is the kind
of disc that flows well, so well, that it is often over before you know it.
But closer (and repeat) listens reveal an effective partnership forged in creativity and a well-matched execution of ideas. As this is a recording focused on sound, it is worth noting that once again, Chicago’s Ken
Christianson has captured spacious and airy sonics that reveal all of the intricacies of the instrumental approach, similar to the likes of other labels with such a singular approach to recording. Really, it is a welcome respite in our overly processed, Pro Toolsd-to-death world.

Downbeat Magazine Review!!!

Charlie Haden & Antonio Forcione
Heartplay
NAIMCD098

By John Ephland

****

If you liked Charlie Haden’s 1997 album with Pat Metheny, Misouri Sky, you should add Heartplay to your library. While Missouri Sky celebrated common Midwestern roots, Heartplay pairs bassist with someone from another musical world, so to speak. The differences are telling. Antonio Forcione’s style relies ess on virtuosic phrase, so the music offers a more plaintive conversation with simpler lines.

Forcione provides four imaginative, almost meditative compositions. His ‘Snow’ mimics the pace at which flakes can fall on a calm winter’s night. As the artists plod along , the guitarist adds some pluck and almost buesy intonations to his half of the dialogue. The song never goes beyond itself. It lives and breathes as one stroll through the night.

It’s a testament to Haden’s ability to connect that he has such a clear rapport with the Italy-born Forcione. Listen to the conversation on Haden’s eloquent ‘Silence’ for a taste of what can happen when two musicians hang on every note. The urge to emote seems dwarfed by each player’s reliance on each of the notes from the song itself. Not surprisingly, it is a quiet album, with few moments of flurry.

Heartplay’s eight tunes can be heard as one long, meditative suite, with the only real surprise coming when the music ends.

20th Century Guitar Magazine Review!!!

NAIM – Over in the UK, the Naim Label have released an interesting sounding 2006 CD entitled Heartplay, from bass legend Charlie Haden and nylon string guitarist Antonio Forcione. Afine pairing. Haden is famous for his groundbreaking work with Ornette Coleman back in the ‘60s and Forcione is a well established guitarist from Italy. Featuring the duo performing their own compositions, Heartplay is relaxing, yet the intricate vibe keeps these guys on their toes. The acoustic nature of the recording and Haden’s subtle, buzzing bass frequencies make it great late night spin.

Just Jazz Guitar Magazine Review!!!

Heartplay- Charlie Haden & Antonio Forcione
NAIMCD098, November 2007
By Vince Lewis

Double bassist Charlie Haden needs no introduction to the jazz community. For many yeas, he has been a mainstay of the modern genre. Additionally, Italian guitarist Antonio Forcione has dubbed the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic’.

This recording is comprised almost entirely of original material. It opens with a very beautiful Forcione ballad titled ‘Anna’. The opening phrases of Haden’s ‘La Pasionara’ showcase Forcione’s technique. It then moves into a fine jazz waltz, both musicians shining in their solo sections. ‘Childs Song’ by Fred Hersch, is included and given an appropriate playful treatment. Other Forcione works include ‘Snow’, ‘Nocturne’ and ‘If…’

The general tone of this work is pensive. Both players exhibit exceptional tone and musicality. Haden and Forcione have produced a recording that can be explored on many levels. It can be listened to and enjoyed in a background setting, or concentrated on and appreciated for its subtle complexity.

Berman Music Foundation Review!!!

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Charlie Haden’s penchant in recent years for moody ballads performed in duo collaborations, usually with pianists or guitarists, has drawn undeserved criticism from some quarters. On the contrary, his recordings with Hank Jones, Kenny Barron, Pat Metheny, Chris Anderson and Gonzalo Rubalcaba are some of Haden's best. Add 2006’s “Heartplay” to that list. The sensitivity that Haden and Italian guitarist and composer Antonio Forcione bring to their playing and writing makes them a perfect pair.

IAJRC Journal Review!!!

Heartplay
Charlie Haden & Antonio Forcione NAIM CD098
December 2007
By Herb Young

Can you imagine a compact disc where you have two musicians’ masters of their respective instruments and making music together as one person? That, in a nutshell, is what you have here.

The music is economical and so laid back that one be tempted to use it as background music while reading. Please don’t. It is far too vital for that. I found that when I listened to this music intently, I was drawn in and became part of it. That is an uncommon experience especially when you have two players creating it in the fcirst place.

All the music save for the one tune, was composed by these two men. That one tune is a Fred Hersch number, “Child’s Play”. On that particular tune Charlie Haden is so laid back that you feel him as music as you hear him. He does come forth and take a great solo later in this 8 minute opus. This interplay between the two masters is present throughout the CD. I have no particular favourite tune in this set. They vary in length from just over two and a half minutes for “Nocturne” to just over 11 minutes for the last tune, “ For Turiya”. There are no notes with the CD so one can only guess at the meaning of the tunes in most instances. That may be my only criticism. The recording sound is fine and as you can see, the playing is of a high standard. I have no idea of the availability of the disc. It is out of England. A website is shown, www.thenaimlabel.co.uk.