Maria Volonte at Vibrato Jazz

Argentina’s Gardel Prize-winning and Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter
María Volonté Concert Review
Live World Music:
Maria Volonte
at Vibrato Jazz
by Don Heckman
Published Feb. 17, 2010 in the
International Review of Music
Maria Volonte’s name may not be
immediately familiar, even though
she has received a Latin Grammy
María performs at Herb Alpert’s
Vibrato Jazz club in Bel Air, CA
nomination, won a Carlos Gardel
Prize and released six CDs.
Fortunately, the Argentine singer/songwriter/guitarist’s move to the Bay area two years ago has
brought more attention to her intriguing style. But she still has far lower visibility in this country
than her talent deserves.
A rare Los Angeles performance Tuesday night at Vibrato Jazz with an ensemble Volonte
describes as her Tango Cabaret provided an entertaining sample of what American audiences
have been missing. Start with her voice, which has a dark, warmly engaging sound, occasionally
tinged with the sort of emotional edge recalling the intensity of Mercedes Sosa. Add her guitar
playing, tending toward hypnotic vamps in some of her original tunes, often willing to sneak in
colorful harmonies, and always in complete sync with her singing.
One or two tunes – especially Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” and Carlos Gardel’s “Cuando tu no
estas” – in which she sang either solo or with a single musical companion suggested that Volonte
could provide a compelling evening of song completely on her own. And it was this segment of
the program that best revealed the deepest subtleties of her art.
She was backed, in other pieces, by an ensemble consisting of harmonica player Kevin Carrel
Footer, percussionist Enzo Todesco (playing only cajon and cymbals) and bassist Pat Senatore. In
those tunes – mostly Volonte originals – the added instrumental support was channeled through
rhythms reaching from tango to candombe, with some occasional funk and even a trace or two of
mainstream jazz thrown in for good measure. Footer’s animated harmonica playing acted as a
colorful foil for Volonte’s soaring vocals, and the rhythm team of Senatore and Todesco
(combined with Volonte’s propulsive guitar) both grounded and energized the proceedings.
Volonte has a long history in Argentine traditional music, and its elements enriched everything
she played and sang. But, far more than just an emissary for her native country’s music, she
demonstrated a desire, as well as a skill, in using those roots to grow an entrancing creative
expression that is uniquely her own. Hopefully, the next appearance in the Southland by this
impressive, evolving artist will reach beyond the one-nighter stage.
Don Heckman is the long-time jazz critic of the Los Angeles Times.
www.mariavolonte.com