#Lapetiteheure By... Ricardo Izquierdo & Sergio Gruz

Musicians don’t choose each other—they recognize each other. Ricardo Izquierdo and Sergio Gruz know each other; they recognized each other. The duo’s project, *Raices en Acuerdo*, celebrates their roots. The saxophonist of Cuban descent and the pianist of Argentine descent draw on their respective musical roots. Whether it’s “Drume negrita,” that Cuban children’s song, “Llora,” “Cartas de amor que se queman,” or “La trunca norte”—immortalized by Mercedes Sosa—these Cuban songs, steeped in sweet nostalgia, sing of the joys and disappointments of love and pierce the heart. Or take “Soledad,” that nocturne bathed in the dark light of melancholy by tango master Astor Piazzolla—Ricardo Izquierdo and Sergio Gruz have chosen to interpret it in spirit rather than to the letter. This lively Argentine duo possesses a power that speaks for itself. Listening, shared breathing, collective inspiration—there is a mutual understanding, a deep rapport, even a fusion of intentions and gestures that brings the music to a blazing peak.

Franck Medoni (Jazz Magazine)