Legendary bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi celebrates his 90th birthday with the release of El Viejo Caminante, a deeply personal album that unites generations and cultures. Featuring his son José Maria Saluzzi on classical guitar and Norwegian guitarist Jacob Young on steel-string and occasional electric guitar, the project marks both a family gathering and a continuation of Saluzzi’s four-decade collaboration with the ECM Records “family.” Although he no longer travels extensively, Saluzzi remains musically active from his home in Argentina—his new work standing as a moving testament to his enduring creative spirit.
The album blends original compositions with abstract interpretations of standards such as “Someday My Prince Will Come” and “My One and Only Love.” It highlights Saluzzi’s unmistakable melodic phrasing, sense of space, and quiet elegance, complemented by his collaborators’ nuanced performances. The trio’s partnership was born from José Maria’s admiration for Young’s 2014 ECM release Forever Young, which led to an invitation for the Norwegian guitarist to perform in Argentina—and ultimately inspired this cross-cultural musical dialogue.
Reflecting on his lifelong journey, Saluzzi emphasizes music’s power to transcend borders and foster human connection. “Music is music. Art is art,” he says simply, underscoring his belief that creativity remains vital in a fragmented world. From his humble beginnings in Salta to his acclaimed ECM legacy, Saluzzi continues to compose, practice, and collaborate—proof that the old traveler, El Viejo Caminante, still walks the musical road with grace and purpose.
Leave a Reply