André Popp's captivating album, Passeport pour Piccolo, Saxo & Cie, is a vibrant 30-minute journey through the rich musical heritage of various cultures. Released on 25 October 2019 by Universal Music Division Mercury Records, this exotica masterpiece whisks listeners away to distant lands, showcasing an array of traditional instruments and sounds.
From the evocative skirl of 'Ecosse (Les cornemuses)' to the sultry rhythms of 'Brésil (Maracas, clavs, bongos, tumba, marimba)', each track is a meticulously crafted tribute to the unique musical identity of its respective country. The enchanting strains of the guitar in 'Hawaï (Guitare hawaïenne)' give way to the exotic timbres of 'Extrême-orient (Java, bonang, gender)', while the balalaika's plaintive voice shines in 'Russie (Balalaïka)'.
André Popp's inventive arrangements also transport us to the sun-kissed landscapes of 'Italie (Mandolines)' and the passionate heart of 'Espagne (Castagnettes, tambourins, tenoras, tambour basque)', with the cymbalum and flute de Pan adding an air of mystery to 'Hongrie (Cymbalum, flûte de Pan)'. Throughout this captivating album, André Popp's masterful touch weaves a sonic tapestry that is at once a celebration of global diversity and a testament to the universal language of music.