Born in France, the rock and jazz guitarist Nguyên Lê is fascinated by the traditional music of his parents’ homeland, Vietnam. He recorded a fine series of albums with Huong Thanh, and now comes a collaboration with Ngô Hông Quang, a soulful young singer who plays an array of Vietnamese instruments, including the dàn nhi fiddle. They are joined by Indian tabla, Japanese koto, and the cool trumpet work of Paolo Fresu on a sophisticated global fusion project that veers between thoughtful collaborations and atmospheric anthems aimed at Lê’s western followers. Heaven’s Gourd is a gently exquisite mix of Vietnamese lute and acoustic guitar, A Night With You, Gone is an emotional ballad enhanced by guitar and trumpet, while Beggar’s Love Song cleverly matches an ancient Vietnamese melody with a bluesy riff. An impressive set – but it didn’t need the wash of programmed effects on several tracks.
