New York based musician Peter Primamore's main claim to fame thus far in his career is that he's been a very active composer and producer of music that has appeared in countless television shows and films. With this release entitled Grancia he presents eleven of his own majestic, superbly crafted instrumental compositions that surprisingly cover quite a bit of ground musically, whether it's jazz, classical or even straight ahead rock. Grancia also features some fairly well known guests from the progressive rock world as well in Tony Levin (bass) and Jerry Marotta (drums) and it's also worth noting that entire ensemble of musicians featured on this album were recorded together in the same room.
Primamore's flair for writing for the screen translates directly into these songs because it's hard to deny the unmistakable cinematic feel which is apparent right from the onset and continues to permeate throughout Grancia. The absolutely brilliant arrangements and orchestrations capture the mood of each track perfectly and demonstrate that he is very conscious of just how much impact tension and release can have when executed effectively. Whether it's just performing solo on the piano with Levin on the beautifully melodic "Lullaby / Elegy" or accompanied with a full string section on "Silver Stones" and "Chatham" the aim of striking an emotional chord within the listener is accomplished every time. "Windswept" is a self confessed Brazilian meets Gothic inspired composition that comes off as straight ahead jazz until the middle section explodes in a flurry of unbridled intensity. "Free Western" is definitely the straight ahead rock track on Grancia and one which allows Primamore to indulge in a bit of a tribute to the Allman Brothers with some searing guitar lines played by Chieli Minucci. I believe the true strength of Grancia however lies in the introspective depth of the quieter tracks. You'll want to dim the lights, grab a glass of wine, put on your headphones and completely immerse yourself in the music, without interruption. From beginning to end Grancia is truly captivating and here's hoping that Peter graces us with another collection of his songs in the very near future.
Grancia is presented in a very impressive digipak format that includes his detailed notes on each composition. As well the disc is a hybrid SACD so the listener is able to take full advantage of the 5.1 surround mix that further enhances the splendid, organic qualities of this music.
Track Listing
1) Silver Stones
2) Chatham
3) Crossing Over
4) Mill Walk
5) Broken Promise
6) The Book of Erin Flowers
7) Free Western
8) Windswept
9) Winter in Paris
10) I'm Sorry
11) Russia Through Your Eyes
12) Lullaby / Elegy
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