The dreamy sound of Giraldo

Each time the sky train passes through Burnaby on the way to and from downtown Vancouver, it is almost a certainty that you will hear somebody say that Diana Krall used to live there. The famous jazz artist, who is now married and surely making beautiful music with the great Elvis Costello is a native of British Columbia. She launched her successful career singing and playing the piano in the small jazz joints of the area.

If something like that can happen to Diana, then maybe there is a huge chance Vancouver will also do the same to Luis Giraldo. That name says that he comes from South America and his place of origin is Bogota, Columbia. That was where he started his music career with a local rock band named Poligamia. Given that start and his good looks, it would have been very easy for Giraldo to go the Ricky Martin route and be one of those Latin pop idols. In fact, Poligamia was quite successful; he recorded four albums and toured Columbia. Instead, he chose to play music in the background.

As a multi-genre musician, Giraldo toured and recorded with Latin pop sensation Shakira. The stint brought him to 30 cities in 11 countries where they played to sold-out arenas. He was also part of Celtic rock bands and assorted orchestras and jazz groups. Since relocating to Canada, however, Giraldo has concentrated on singing jazz, the same sort Diana Krall does, but with a strong Latin bent because of his roots.

Proof of this is in his album Daydream, which he recorded in the Riverside studio in Burnaby and which is now available locally. Boasting of very spare arrangements, with only a piano played by Cris Sigerson and bass by Rick Kiburn to back him up, the album brings focus to his vocals. This is soft, smoky and shows confident technique. I do not know if this is because he recorded in Burnaby but he does sound like a male Diana Krall, which is good. Because while Josh Groban soars and Michael Bublé swings, Giraldo lies back, his singing seemingly relaxed but full of dramatic expression.

His long experience with varied types of music has given Giraldo the know-how about what will work best for him in this kind of album. His choices are faultless and can be enjoyed by just about anybody. So whether you are a granny who recalls the Latin standards, a kid who wants to chill out with soothing sounds after bouts with electronica, or just somebody who happens to like easy listening music, Luis Giraldo’s Daydream is an album you will surely enjoy.

Included are Henry Mancini’s The Days of Wine and Roses, Spencer Williams’ When Lights are Low, Fly Me to the Moon, also popularly known as In Other Words, Annie’s Song by John Denver, the bittersweet The Old Country by jazz legends Nat Adderley and Curtis Lewis, Day Dream by even bigger jazz legends Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, I’m a Shy Guy, a rarely-heard Nat King Cole composition and two works from the great American composer Irving Berlin, What’ll I Do and Cheek to Cheek. And because Giraldo is Latin, he also sings Besame Mucho, Garota de Ipanema and Como Fue in the album.

Not to forget, performing in Daydream is a trio. This means that aside from the songs and Giraldo’s vocals, it would be great if you can also take note of the impeccable accompaniment by piano and bass. The grooves are just perfect.

More Dreamy Sounds

Still on perfectly dreamy sounds. Tuck & Patti, that wonderful duo from many, many years back, continues to make beautiful music. Those of you out there who claim to like what is now referred to as "acoustic music" should get a copy of the T&P CD A Gift of Love to get a dose of the real thing. This is pure acoustic with Tuck’s virtuoso guitar playing and Patti’s soulful singing bringing life to some of the most beautiful songs ever written.

This is one of the duo’s rare albums that do not feature their original works, but the interpretation is no less haunting. If you are looking for quiet music to play during special moments, I am sure you will find lots to like in this CD. Included are Up on the Roof, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Sukiyaki, Just the Way You Are, Lovin’ You, I Was Born to Love You, Hold Me Tight and Don’t Let Go, Song for You, Close to You and Time After Time.