Record Reviews

ERODOTO PROJECT ~ MOLON LABE CULTURAL BRIDGE 1801 (Barcode: 661596809837) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the second album by the Italian Erodoto ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Bob SalmieriFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Alessandro De AngelisFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco LoddoFind albums by this artist, drummer Giampaolo ScatozzaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Carlo ColomboFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, seven of which were composed by Salmieri, one by De Angelis and two co-composed by them both. The music is a lush, sensuous and beautifully melodic European Jazz with a strong Mediterranean and to some extent Latin feeling. The compositions are all excellent, with typical Italian Jazz harmonic sweetness, which is simply heartbreaking. This music is here to caress and explore the beauty of the tunes, without trying to impress or overwhelm. The masterly balance between the accessibility of this music and its elegance is achieved in full, without compromising the artistic Jazz values. The individual performances are all excellent, with Salmieri playing subtle saxophone parts but also using the ney (Middle Eastern flute) and De Angelis playing both acoustic and electric pianos. The presence of the percussion on all the tunes is very appropriate for this music and adds to its value. The rhythm section is supportive, but not obtrusive, doing exactly what is required in this type of music. Overall this is a kind of album that should not be overanalyzed, but simply enjoyed to the max, preferably with a glass of wine in one´s hand.

Updated: 13/10/2018Posted: 13/10/2018

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ERODOTO PROJECT ~ MYTHOS - METAMORPHOSIS CULTURAL BRIDGE 2001 (Barcode: 661596809837) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This album, the third part of the triptych dedicated to the Mediterranean Mythology, finds the quintet led by veteran Italian saxophonist / composer Bob SalmieriFind albums by this artist augmented by a string trio, creating an ideal vehicle needed to fully express the lyricism and melancholy of the music he and the quintet´s pianist / composer Alessandro de AngelisFind albums by this artist created, based on the epic myths and legends, which constitute the essence of the Mediterranean Culture. This common Culture that the Mediterranean People: Greeks, Italians, Israelites and others, share since thousands of years, may seem quite diverse in its richness for people from other parts of the world, but we, the descendants of the region feel this Culture in our Souls. It is therefore not surprising that we share so many common values between us: the love and sanctity of Life, the appreciation of great food and beautiful women, hospitality and immediate bonding between human beings. The mythological figures in our Culture are all surprisingly Human after all – they fall in love, they suffer, they struggle to achieve things and they even die in the process, despite their Godly ancestry. It is therefore not surprising to me that Italian Jazz was always so close to my heart, as were Italian Pop and Rock at their best. This kind of music seems to be playing directly on my heat´s strings, with a mixture and happiness and sadness that only Italian music is able to reach. It is simply inseparable from the immediate emotions evoked by a Fellini movie, an aria sung by Pavarotti or a doppio espresso in a small coffee bar around Fontana di Trevi. But of course this is a kind of music that can and should be enjoyed by every sensitive person around the globe. Its immediate appeal, honesty, melodic beauty and heartwarming embrace simply grab the heart from the very first note and never stop as long as the music is playing. It is surely a piece of music that will stay with the listener in times of sadness and joy, like a good Friend! Grazie amico, mi piace molto! Side Note The above are my liner notes included on this album's artwork. I am honored when asked by the Artists to write liner notes for their albums, always hoping that my words reflect the true spirit of the music. This is also a symbol of our mutual respect and friendship developed over the years. The same is also true when Record Labels ask me to write liner notes for their releases, mostly in the case of reissues of archival albums, which is a symbol of their appreciation of my knowledge and historical perspective and my recognition of their dedication to the preservation of the history of recorded music and the effort to keep human Culture and Aesthetics alive.

Updated: 23/06/2020Posted: 23/06/2020

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ERODOTO PROJECT ~ STORIES CULTURAL BRIDGE 0006 (Barcode: 600740998942) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2017 Released: 2017 This is an album by Italian Jazz quartet Erodoto ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist Bob SalmieriFind albums by this artist, with pianist Alessandro De AngelisFind albums by this artist, bassist Ermanno DodaroFind albums by this artist and drummer Giampaolo ScatozzaFind albums by this artist. Trumpeter Gabriel Oscar RosatiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Carlo ColomboFind albums by this artist appear as guests. The album presents eleven tracks, six of which are originals by Salmieri and four by De Angelis, and one is a Pop song by the legendary crooner Domenico ModugnoFind albums by this artist. The music is melodic mainstream European Jazz, which incorporates subtle World Music influences, mostly Middle Eastern and Latin. All the melodies are beautifully and carefully woven, which is quite typical of Italian Jazz, known for its strong ties with melody and harmony. There is a wide stylistic diversity within the compositions, which of course generates new interest with each of the tracks. The overall level of the compositions is truly impressive. The performances do not fall behind the compositions and all four members of the quartet and the quests are highly skilled and more importantly highly sensitive players, who are able to make the most out of the compositions and present an excellent ensemble effort, as well as play impressive solos. Salmieri, who plays tenor and soprano saxophones, ney (Middle Eastern end-blown wooden flute) and clarinet, proves to be a multitalented player and his solos are all top notch; De Angelis is wonderfully harmonious and elegant, and the rhythm section drives the music firmly and skillfully. Overall this is a very pleasant and rewarding musical experience, which proves that sophisticated and well done mainstream Jazz is still relevant, especially when created by European musicians. The album also offers splendid sound quality and altogether should satisfy most Jazz connoisseurs the world over. Well done!

Updated: 22/02/2018Posted: 22/02/2018

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