“Dance of Two Souls” by Perpetual Motion
Album review by Dyan Garris for Zone Music Reporter and New Age CD.com
“Dance of Two Souls” is an exotic, ebullient album, overflowing with the joy of life.
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“Dance of Two Souls” is the first album from the duo Perpetual Motion in ten years. Their seventh album together, violinist Josie Quick and husband Tom Carleno, an award-winning guitarist, bring us an exuberant, exotic, vivacious blend of world music, progressive jazz, and blues; “acoustic world fusion.”
Inspired by places they’ve visited and lands still waiting to be explored, the thirteen intricately composed tracks are a joyful celebration of life, love, good health, and the gift of being able to make music together. Joining Josie and Tom on the album are Blake Eberhard on electric and acoustic basses, and Christian Teele on drums and percussion. The album is like the gypsy in your soul. It’s lively, carefree, colorful, and adventurous. So, get your traveling shoes on and let’s go. . .
The album opens with the very exciting “Sunsplash,” which was inspired by a trip to Belize and watching the sun setting into the ocean from aboard a boat. Fun, and truly sparkling, it’s the perfect beginning to this album. Following is “Diabla,” which translates to “she-devil.” This song takes us on a journey through the mountains of Central America. Dynamic and spirited, we can feel ourselves there. “The Happy Song” is wonderful, with a fabulous and flowing violin melody, guitar blending perfectly around, percussion and a great beat underneath. Very nice and very happy.
We are easily transported to a French café in the splendid “Déjà Vu.” Josie says, “It’s a memory of a place we’ve never been.” For never having been there, they have flawlessly captured the rich and flavorful essence of such a place.
The title track, “Dance of Two Souls,” is one to listen to again and again. This sensuous bossa nova magnetically draws you in from the start. Silky and sumptuous, it is a graceful, effortless dance. I just love it.
“Troublant Boléro,” a song written by Django Reinhardt and Jacques Larue, is very nicely covered. Guitar, violin, bass, drums are all excellent together. It’s a stellar mix.
Inspired by a trip to South America, “Dos Gringos” is intriguing and passionate. “Viaje del Corazón” perfectly captures the sights, sounds, and ambiance of a trip to Cuba.
“Swinging Cats” is “Stray Cats meet gypsy jazz.” This is totally fun and playful. In addition to Josie’s flawless violin performance, there is a great guitar solo in here as well. Like the long, languid days of summer, “Summertime,” written by George and Ira Gershwin and Dubose Heyward, leads us into a lovely daydream. Again, flawless performances by all.
My total favorite on the album is the marvelous “Where Does the Time Go.” We can feel every note and nuance of this song in the very depths of our soul. This has got a mysterious, Eastern flair and is simply spectacular in all regards.
“Esmeralda” is titled for the Hunchback of Notre Dame’s unrequited love of a gypsy girl. This is expressive and deeply moving. The album closes out nicely with “Por Causa de Você,” which means “because of you.” This is a wonderful composition where we can almost hear lyrics where there are none. This feels like an intimate conversation and it’s another favorite on this ebullient album, overflowing with life.
Get “Dance of Two Souls” here: www.perpetual-motion.net
Full Credits:
Josie Quick: Acoustic and electric violins
Tom Carleno: Acoustic guitars
Blake Eberhard: Electric and acoustic basses
Christian Teele: Drums and percussion (Christian plays Pork Pie Drums and Bouillez Acoustics cajons)
Produced by Josie Quick and Tom Carleno
All songs arranged by Josie Quick and Tom Carleno
Engineered and mixed by Steve Avedis
Additional percussion recorded by Christian Teele
Mastered by Tom Capek
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Colorado Sound Studios, Westminster, CO
All songs published by Swallowtail Music except “Summertime” published by WB Music Corp OBO Ira Gershwin Music, Kobalt Music Pub America Inc, Raleigh Music Publishing OBO Nokawi Music, and “Troublant Boléro” published by Jewel Music Publishing Co. Inc.
Front cover painting by Quana Madison
Photography by Mark Sink
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Broadcast & Media Promotion:
LAZZ Promotions
Ed and Stacey Bonk
Ph. (905) 470-1230
Email: [email protected]
