Record Reviews

MARIA PIA DE VITO ~ PHONE EGEA 063 (Barcode: 8015948000632) ~ ITALY ~ Avant-Garde Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is the third album by the sublime Italian vocalist / composer Maria Pia De VitoFind albums by this artist recorded with an excellent team of musicians, which includes the British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Italian clarinetist Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist, bassist Enzo PietropaoliFind albums by this artist and drummer Frederico SanesiFind albums by this artist. Bassist Daniele MencarelliFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents nine tracks, most of which are original creations by De Vito (music and lyrics), two are her arrangements of Macedonian folk tunes, one is a composition by Taylor and a couple of songs originate from other sources. The music is absolutely stunning from start to finish, presenting a highly aesthetic and typically European approach to Artistic expression, which knows no stylistic boundaries. There are elements of early music, World Music influences and of course Jazz and Avant-Garde explorations, all of which make "perfect sense" together and create an amazing colorful amalgam of sounds and emotions. De Vito has an amazing vocal range, which she employs to the max, both when singing lyrics and vocalizing freely. Her ability to create spontaneous vocalese is amongst the finest out there, earning her an honorable membership in the exclusive circle of the Vocal Summit circle. The intimate musical relationship De Vito manages to create with Taylor is beautifully remarkable. Taylor, known as one of the finest accompanists ever, proves his rare ability of telepathic communication with singers (see his work with Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist) and this symbiosis is the anchor of this entire album. But Trovesi is also a first rate magician and his clarinet playing here is tasteful and brilliantly harmonizing to the album´s atmosphere. Overall this is a superb album, full of great music and highly unusual vocal performances, which is a textbook of innovative vocal approaches and demonstrates thinking "out of the box". For lovers of human voice, Jazz and Avant-Garde vocal explorations and great music in general, this is an absolute must. For aspiring young vocalists, this is no less than the Biblical "pillar of fire" as far as the quest of developing a meaningful career as a vocalist. Although released over two decades ago this album is still available, so don´t even think twice about it!

Updated: 03/07/2020Posted: 03/07/2020

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

GIORGIO GASLINI ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON DISCHI DELLA QUERCIA CAM JAZZ 5001 (Barcode: 8052405140708) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1976 - 1985 Released: 2013 This superb Box Set collects all the recordings by legendary Italian pianist / composer / bandleader Giorgio GasliniFind albums by this artist, released on his own Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label label. The set includes eleven albums featuring various Gaslini´s ensembles (quartet, quintet, sextet and octet) as well as his duos with American musicians like Roswell RuddFind albums by this artist, Eddie GomezFind albums by this artist and Anthony BraxtonFind albums by this artist. Gaslini (who died in 2014) was one of the pillars of modern Italian Jazz, recorded dozens of albums and led countless ensembles during his career that spanned almost seven decades. In parallel to his Jazz activities he also composed music for cinema and contemporary Classical Music. He was one of the few Italian musicians known outside of his country and a tireless and prolific Jazz propagator in his country. In retrospect he is one of the Godfathers of European Jazz. Gaslini played modern Jazz, which often stood on the verge of Free, always challenging the boundaries of the genre, as can be heard well on the albums included here. His ensembles were always a breeding ground for generations of young Italian musicians, like the ones found here: Gianni BedoriFind albums by this artist, Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist, Daniele Di GregorioFind albums by this artist and many others. This music is an absolute must to all European Jazz enthusiasts, and the fact that it is available again is pure joy. Gaslini was a genius composer and pianist and his legacy must be preserved and studied by the new generation of Jazz musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved and with a great bargain price – this Box Set is an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 12/04/2020Posted:

CD 11 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ZLATKO KAUCIC ~ EMOTIONAL PLAYGROUNDS IKTIUS 519 (Barcode: 8016540051923) ~ SLOVENIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1997 Released: 1998 This is an album by Slovenian Jazz drummer / composer Zlatko KaucicFind albums by this artist, recorded with a British / Italian team, which includes trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist and bassist Paolino Dalla PortaFind albums by this artist. Pianist Bruno CesselliFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The Mixed Choir of Slovenian Radio and TVFind albums by this artist also takes part in the recording. The album presents seven tracks, three of which are arrangements of traditional Folk songs and four are original compositions by Kaucic. The music is a beautiful amalgam of modern European Jazz and Folklore (mostly Balkan), splendidly put together and arranged by Kaucic, and superbly played by this excellent team. The extended compositions develop slowly and offer emotional swings and tempi changes, as well as open improvisations and dramatic statements by the choir, in short quite an eventful journey. The two quintet tracks are more mainstream oriented and the excellent piano playing by Cesselli sets an almost romantic mood. For the many Wheeler followers, he can be heard playing some marvelous trumpet parts here, easily comparable to his best work on more renowned albums. Sadly, this gem is almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz-World Fusion album, performed by some of the best European Jazz improvisers. Released by a small Italian record label this album disappeared from the surface, but is absolutely worth digging for, not only for the great contributions by Kenny Wheeler, but no less importantly for the splendid musical concept and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 26/03/2023Posted: 26/03/2023

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GIANLUIGI TROVESI ~ FUGACE ECM 1827 (Barcode: 044006658322) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 This is an album by the legendary Italian Jazz saxophonist / clarinetist / composer / bandleader Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist, recorded with his all Italian octet. The album presents sixteen tracks, some of which present multi-part compositions. Most of the material consists of original compositions by Trovesi, with two exceptions: one standard and one traditional tune. All the music was arranged by Trovesi, with cellist Marco RemondiniFind albums by this artist adding his arranging touch on two tracks. The music is a stunning amalgam of Italian folkloristic themes and early American Jazz traditions, creating a sleek, modern orchestral sound, which reflects complex themes of cinematic nature. It is music, which invites the listener to take a magic carpet ride between New Orleans and Italian pastures, full of little surprising signature tunes, which blend splendidly into a kaleidoscopic imaginary landscape. Although potentially a mighty powerful vehicle, the octet performs delicately and sparingly, and the resulting music is mostly gentle and minimalist, blending the brass and rhythm elements carefully and elegantly. The album offers to the listener a fascinating musical journey, constantly changing, with many unexpected twists and turns, but always following a coherent continuance and exquisite balance, composed, arranged and perfectly executed with truly European aesthetics. Overall, this is a brilliant piece of music, which offers the finest European Jazz aesthetics, even when it pays a loving tribute to the early American Jazz tradition. The music is highly original and full of unexpected elements for the entire duration, which means there is never a dull moment. This is one of the finest ECMFind albums on this label albums recorded past 2000 as far as I am concerned.

Updated: 10/11/2024Posted: 10/11/2024

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GIANLUIGI TROVESI ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1032 (Barcode: 8052405141378) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 2004 Released: 2014 This superb Box Set collects all the recordings by legendary Italian clarinetist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist released on the Black SaintFind albums on this label, Soul NoteFind albums on this label and Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label labels (the album´s title is a bit misleading in that respect). The set includes nine albums featuring various recordings by Trovesi as a leader and sideman over a span of twenty five years made alongside the top Italian Jazz players active in the 1980s and 1990s and is therefore a superb document of the era. Trovesi, who is today one of the pillars of modern Italian Jazz, started his career in early 1970s, playing first as a member of ensembles led by legendary Italian Jazz Godfathers like Franco CerriFind albums by this artist and Giorgio GasliniFind albums by this artist. From the mid 1970s he recorded dozens of albums as a leader, co-leader, guest and sidemen, becoming one the major forces of Italian and European Jazz. He often cooperates with other European musicians and his unique voice as an instrumentalist, as well as magnificent compositions, are classic examples of the scope and sophistication of European Jazz. Trovesi plays modern Jazz, which often stands on the verge of Free, always challenging the boundaries of the genre, often also including World Music and contemporary Classical influences, as reflected on the albums included here. His ensembles, the most notable of which was the octet featuring two bass players, always included the absolute crème de la crème of the Italian Jazz scene, such as trumpeters Pino MinafraFind albums by this artist, Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist and Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, pianist Guido ManusardiFind albums by this artist, drummer Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and numerous others. This music is an absolute must to all European Jazz enthusiasts, and the fact that it is available again is pure joy. Trovesi is a genius composer and instrumentalist and his legacy is well worth to be preserved and studied by the new generation of Jazz musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved and with a great bargain price – this Box Set is an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 05/05/2020Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

WACLAW ZIMPEL ~ STONE FOG FOR TUNE 0009 (Barcode: 5902768701098) ~ POLAND ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is the debut recording by the quartet led by Polish Jazz clarinetist / composer Waclaw ZimpelFind albums by this artist with his countryman pianist Krzysztof DysFind albums by this artist and two German musicians: bassist Christian RamondFind albums by this artist and drummer Klaus KugelFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight compositions named using lines from poems by the US poetess Laura Winter. Three of the compositions are credited to Zimpel and the remaining five are group compositions. Despite his young age (he was 29 years old when this music was recorded) Zimpel is already considered as one of the most important upcoming Free Jazz / Improvised Music figures on the European scene. In the scope of the last decade he managed to cooperate with many first-class musicians from Poland and abroad, play many concerts and record quite a few albums as a leader and as sideman, most of which were received enthusiastically by the critics. The clarinet, Zimpel´s "weapon of choice", is sadly a much neglected instrument in contemporary music, Avant-Garde and Improvised Music included, and therefore his contributions are especially important, keeping the clarinet tradition alive. Except for the older generation clarinet Giants, like American Perry RobinsonFind albums by this artist, Israeli Harold RubinFind albums by this artist, French Louis SclavisFind albums by this artist, Italian Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist and a handful of others, Zimpel´s young voice is a fresh breath of air in this particular niche. As to the music on this album, I find it slightly less exciting personally in comparison to his earlier recordings with ensembles like UndividedFind albums by this artist or HeraFind albums by this artist. Not that this album lacks anything in quality and power of expression, but perhaps it is less based on incorporating World Music motifs, which Zimpel excels at. This album firmly belongs to the "traditional" Free Jazz / Improvised Music milieu, if the word "traditional" applies at all in such cases. But regardless of my personal preferences, this is excellent music from start to finish, performed with passion and masterly ability, by all four musicians involved. The rhythm section provides exceptional backing, moving swiftly between almost swing to free form, Dys on piano spreads layers of twisted harmonic structures and Zimpel, as usual, plays the role of the of Hamelin´s Pied Piper, snake charmer and a Hassidic Klezmer, all in one. Most connoisseurs of Free Jazz will find this music very interesting and aesthetically enchanting. The album was released by a new Polish label called For TuneFind albums on this label, which seems to be specializing in "unconventional" musical projects, like this one. All the releases on the label have a distinct graphic design, which appears to be copying the early ECMFind albums on this label, Hat HutFind albums on this label and other Avant-Garde labels following this path. Polish Avant-Garde Jazz fans know that this label is of course not the first of its kind, but the more the merrier. There is always place for good music and I wish the label a lot of success.

Updated: 12/10/2024Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend