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  | STEFANO BOLLANI ~ BIG BAND!
VERVE 602527720821 (Barcode: 602527720821) ~ ITALY ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011
This is a live album by Italian Jazz pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, recorded with the excellent German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, conducted by Norwegian musician / arranger Geir LysneFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, all original compositions by Bollani, arranged by Lysne. Among the international team of the NDR, we find American drummer Jeff BallardFind albums by this artist, Argentinean percussionist Marcio DoctorFind albums by this artist, German saxophonist Christof LauerFind albums by this artist and others.
The music is as much about Bollani’s brilliant piano playing and fascinating compositions, as about the incredible arrangements and performances by the Big Band, which are us usual stellar to say the least. NDR is the leading European Jazz Big Band, with a constantly changing lineup of top Jazz musicians from all over the world. It epitomizes the European orchestral / Big Band approach, which is diametrically different from the American Jazz tradition. The orchestra functions as one body, organically creating a sound, which reflects the rich and complex layers, all contributing to the total outcome. There are no repeated riffs and clear division into sections, but rather an organic music making mechanism, which is basically inseparable.
Bollani’s romantic, lyrical pieces are expanded into suite-like continuances, with little space for soloing per se. His piano is elegantly integrated into the orchestral sound, clearly audible but not dominating the proceedings. The resulting music is quite complex, but offers a powerful “punch”, which is extremely effective. This is European aesthetics at its best.
Overall, this is a rich and powerful musical experience, delivered by some of the best musicians around, and for the Big Band sound enthusiasts, this is a true engulfing orgy of pulsations and resonances, which one wishes should never stop. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 21/07/2024Posted: 21/07/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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