Record Reviews

ENRICO RAVA ~ TRIBE ECM 2218 (Barcode: 602527669700) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This album presents an elderly Master surrounded by his disciples, or in other words veteran Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist with his all Italian and very young current quintet, which includes trombonist Gianluca PetrellaFind albums by this artist, pianist Giovanni GuidiFind albums by this artist, bassist Gabriele EvagelistaFind albums by this artist and drummer Fabrizio SferraFind albums by this artist. On four of the twelve tracks the quintet is expanded into a sextet with the addition of guitarist Giacomo AncillottoFind albums by this artist. In spite of the age difference, and perhaps thanks to it, the resulting music is simply fabulous. Rava´s often difficult compositions are treated with utmost respect by his fellow musicians, with each and every one on them adding his very personal touch, and the combined efforts simply work out wonderfully well. Although somewhat melancholic and somehow deliberately slow, the music manages to keep the listener involved it its development and mesmerized. Of course the level of musicianship is excellent throughout, but that by itself is often not enough to make the music worthwhile. It is the leader´s vision and his sense of direction that makes the music become a work of Art and enables the listener to enjoy it even at the most intricate moments. So regardless of what some critics may tell you, this is a remarkable album, artistically fulfilling and aesthetically satisfying, well worth your money and a source of many enjoyable moments of music. Don´t even think twice about it!

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FABIO ZEPPETELLA ~ MOVING LINES DISCHI DELLA QUERCIA 128017 (Barcode: 027312801729) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is an album by Italian guitarist / composer Fabio ZeppetellaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with bassist Ares TavolazziFind albums by this artist, drummer Fabrizio SferraFind albums by this artist and British trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven original compositions, five by the leader and two by Tavolazzi. It was released on the splendid Italian Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label label, which released absolutely marvelous Jazz albums, but sadly is no longer active but was bought by the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, which reissued most of that material. This is one of many albums Wheeler recorded in Italy with Italian musicians, where he was highly regarded, had many friends and frequently performed. This is one of Wheeler’s recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. The music is a marvelous example of modern European Jazz, based on melodic, somewhat melancholic (as appropriate for Italian Jazz) theme, but performed with a lot of Freedom, which suites Wheeler’s stylistic approach ideally. Due to the intimate format of this recording and the fact that Wheeler has a lot of opportunity to solo, this album offers some of Wheeler’s best work ever captured on record (if such thing is possible). The pairing of guitar and trumpet is quite unusual, but works perfectly here. Overall, this is an excellent modern European Jazz album, performed by first class musicians, which is absolutely worth digging for, not only for the great contributions by Kenny Wheeler, but no less importantly for the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 05/04/2023Posted: 05/04/2023

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