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Monólogos a Dois is the new solo record by Gonçalo Almeida. An LP (100 copies) edited by New Wave of Jazz. Based on the assumption that a monologue is an exercise, for example in theater, that is difficult to perform in a genius way, Gonçalo makes this monologue fluid, that grabs us and that we listen carefully to everything he has to say to us. It is a monologue that becomes dialogue at a certain point. The resounding body of the double bass dialogues with him and with us.
A double bass solo is a challenge. For him and for those who listen to him. It is not the easiest instrument to work solo. But anyone who has a hand to dominate it gets results like this Monólogos a Dois.
At 3 ½ minutes of the first track, I was already caught when I started to hear the subtlety of his breathing in the background. The aggressiveness and determination of the bow in the strings. The story of this monologue begins to compose itself. Inspire and find yourself in a more calm and thoughtful moment. And we’re only going for 4 minutes and a few seconds of the first track. This track is the longest , the one in which the best of Almeida is quickly presented to us. Whoever follows his path will quickly realize that this solo could only come out of his hands. Something very unique, which takes us from the most soothing environment to rock in a basement, somewhere between Lisbon and Budapest.
Gonçalo has always inspired me to build narratives, both in his records and in his live concerts. His presence complements what he composes and performs. In the second track I already have two characters and a plot. I have already written a short story with his solo (which was published in DizSonâncias some time ago), but this monologue is perfect for a short tale.
The second track takes us along small trails. It takes just over two minutes, but we know that the trails will take us to a place that will not disappoint us.
I quickly move from track 3 to track 4, perhaps in a hurry to understand what else is going to happen. I want to be able to choose what will happen when at the end of that minute and thirty you hear that crack. Yes, Gonçalo manages to sharpen the imagination and the mind, grabs us by the senses.
Perhaps because I was more sensitive, I started to get emotional in track 4. The double bass, Gonçalo's breathing, the harshness and intensity of what I hear take me to less smiling places. It brings me melancholy and sadness. And it has absolutely no harm, on the contrary. To feel. That's how I live the music. This empathic and visceral relationship I have with music makes each record and concert a whirlwind of emotions and sensations.
I haven't even gone to the middle of the record yet and I already smiled, took a deep breath, cried, stopped, went back and continued. In track 6, I finally managed to compose myself. Here, for me, the most effusive dialogue between instrument and musician begins.
We reached the middle of the record, in a continuous crescendo. I wish for the trip to last, but the curiosity to find out how it ends up makes me restless. Gonçalo's breathing brings me back to how the double bass is a powerful, challenging and charming physical instrument. Yes, I assume, I am and will always be passionate about double bass.
Between track 7 and 8 we realize that the path is constructed of small and subtle notes, of letting the sound last in time and space. Let it flow and echo.
I always like it when a tarck brings me sounds that I associate with when I was a child. In my imagination, going up and down a ladder is present in track 9. That was how stories were constructed in my mind as a child and that still makes stairs a recurring theme in my stories today. That and the water that always runs near those stairs.
I return to adulthood soon after. I keep breathing fast. It takes my breath away for 3 minutes and 16. Yes, he can do that for us. Doubts? Go listen it.
It is on tracks like the eleventh that I consider Gonçalo to be unparalleled. The heavier and more intense moments, the sharp and constant bass. It is precisely in this register that his monologue intensifies, that everything becomes more visual. It is when scenarios are designed with enormous ease, in warm lighting on a black background.
And this is, for me, THE track of this LP. It is everything I expected in one mesh. And if the record already made me win the night, this track has already made me win the troubled beginning of 2021.
In one minute and fifty-nine seconds we closed the Monólogos a Dois. What a successful record!
For me it will be on 2021 best of list, and even now the year has started. Gonçalo's work fascinates me and always makes me look forward to what he will edit and present next.
Credits
Released January 21, 2021
Gonçalo Almeida - Doublebass
Performed & recorded at the Old Church in Oud-Charlois, Rotterdam (The Netherlands) on 11th July 2020.
All music by Gonçalo Almeida.
Recorded & mixed by Gonçalo Almeida.
Mastered at the Sunny Side Inc. Studio, Anderlecht (Belgium).
Gonçalo would like to thank Jaap van Gils, Oud-Charlois Kerk and Dirk Serries.
Sleeve notes : Guy Peters.
Layout : Rutger Zuydervelt
Edition of 100.