ELISABETH

Elisabeth, the second album by the portuguese Griot, is a very interesting conceptual work, an impeccable production, where progressive and jazz styles are merged, but which give them their own space to make them recognizable. There is no musical instrument that is in excess, each one has a reason to be and add value to the compositions.

The best of the work: the intense and painful A Weak Foundation and Retrospection, where the terrible losses of mother and father generate a devastating effect on the central character, the thoughtful Unearthing the Past, and the powerful and hopeless Making Amends. But undoubtedly the tension remains present throughout the development of the entire album.

On the other hand, in my opinion Elisabeth has a debt on the vocal part. Although Maria Branco's voice is consistent and of good tone, doesn´t leave the mold. It may work at times, but it's probably not what many of the great sound constructions require, taking away from drama rather than enhancing it.

All in all, Elisabeth is a very good album and highly recommended for those who like the genre.