Classical, world music and new age fans - Here’s a “fun fact” to ponder as your senses come alive taking in perhaps the most unique and original contemporary version of Erik Satie’s “Gymnopédie No. 1,” released as the sixth lead single from Jim Gelcer and David Vito Gregoli’s upcoming Quiet Expanse album.
The work’s unusual title comes from the French form of gymnopaedia, the ancient Greek word for an annual festival where young men danced either naked or, perhaps figuratively, simply unarmed. That’s quite a bold, racy and festive image for one of the most beloved and treasured piano pieces of the past 130 years – and definitely at odds with its stature as a timeless graceful, meditative ballad. Though the duo’s lush, haunting and atmospheric version – chosen as the only cover on the project – is delicately respectful, their fresh re-imagining captures a bit of that audacity in their choice of instrumentation.
While we generally hear it played on Satie’s primary instrument of the piano, Gregoli and the South African born, Canadian based Gelcer are pretty certain theirs is the only version whose melody is played on hand pan. It's played thoughtfully and soulfully by Gelcer backed by Gregoli’s gentle acoustic guitar harmonies, with softly caressing strings and a resonant electronic cello counter melody elevating the piece’s emotion throughout.
Gelcer and Gregoli’s “Gymnopédie No. 1” is the latest track setting the stage for Quiet Expanse, following their originals “Forgiveness,” “Resilience,” “Compassion,” “Authenticity” and “Letting Go.”
Their complementary talents and intuitive musical rapport drive every hypnotic note, space and ambient soundscape on the project, as Gregoli has long specialized in new age and world music while Gelcer is an acclaimed drummer in the realms of jazz and Indian kirtan music. Their passions merge as well in the realm of yoga, as both are devoted practitioners who have joined forces on this thoughtful yet adventure-filled collection whose vibes would lend themselves perfectly to that environment.
2025 will certainly bring its share of personal and collective anxieties – but Gelcer and Gregoli continue to provide a beautiful mental, emotional and spiritual escape from the stress via their soothing sonic magic.
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