Record Reviews

SONIA SCHIAVONE ~ WAYNE SHORTER`S LEGACY DA VINCI JAZZ 00573 (Barcode: 746160914077) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz & Poetry Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Italian vocalist / composer / lyricist Sonia SchiavoneFind albums by this artist, which as the title suggests is dedicated to the music by the iconic American saxophonist / composer Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight compositions by Shorter, to which Schiavone added her lyrics (in English) or adopted lyrics by others, like the American poetess Emily DickinsonFind albums by this artist or English poetess Elizabeth Barrett BrowningFind albums by this artist. In two cases she uses lyric already written to Shorter`s compositions and in two others alters previously written lyrics. And additionally the album includes also two original songs, composed by Schiavone, which fit well the intended atmosphere of the entire album. There is no doubt that the album can be considered as part of the “Jazz & Poetry” idiom. On the album Schiavone is accompanied by excellent Italian musicians; a piano trio with pianist Fabio GorlierFind albums by this artist, bassist Stefano ProfetaFind albums by this artist and drummer Donato StolfiFind albums by this artist, and three guest brass players on selected tracks. She also arranged all the music, which was excellently recorded and offers a beautiful sound quality. The music, which of course is pretty familiar to most Jazz listeners, gets a very European twist on this album, transformed into poetic, sometimes romantic, sometimes dramatic aura, with Schiavone’s obvious love of poetry, which resulted in an entire album dedicated to the poetry of Dickinson called “Come – Eden!Find albums with this title”, released in 2020. With somewhat changed instrumentation, this album is certainly closely linked to its predecessor. The vocal performances are all delicate and restrained, as appropriate for the atmosphere this album is conveying, with relatively little use of vocalese and open space for instrumental soli, all well balanced and presenting a coherent continuity, which has a relaxing, contemplative aesthetics. Schiavone’s feel and emotional involvement are undeniably fascinating. Overall, this is a beautiful album in every respect, from the concept and collection of material, arrangements and finally spotless execution, all of which should make perfectly happy every Jazz, and especially Jazz & Poetry aficionado the world over. Thank you for the music, Milady!

Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022

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