In his 30-year career, French accordion virtuoso Richard Galliano has done what Astor Piazzolla did for the tango – rescued a traditional music – in this case the French musette – from the grip of nostalgic cliche. Galliano also rescued his instrument from its abject beret-and-striped-jersey role, placing it at the heart of modern, jazz-influenced European music. This double CD is dazzling proof of his success. The music has all the melodious charm and rhythmic zest of the old musette tunes, but with a new delicacy and sophistication. Among Galliano’s influences he names Piazzolla, Bill Evans, Claude Debussy and John Coltrane, and one of the finest pieces here is a beautiful ballad, called, simply, Billie.
