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  | JOHN RUOCCO ~ AM I ASKING TOO MUCH?
PIROUET 3029 (Barcode: 4260041180291) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2008
This is a beautiful and criminally obscure album by American (resident in Netherlands) clarinetists / composer John RuoccoFind albums by this artist recorded in a trio setting with British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Italian (resident in France) bassist Riccardo Del FraFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, all by Ruocco and offers excellent sound quality.
The music is beautifully melodic modern mainstream Jazz, masterly put together and although seemingly delicate and fragile, offers depth and sophistication, especially when the music moves into open form improvisation. The intimate trio setting and acoustic sound enables the listener to clearly hear all the nuances and intricacies crested by the players during their collective performances.
The trio lineup is ideal for the music at hand; both Taylor and Del Fran are exquisite performers, known for their ability to adapt to any musical environment and create telepathic conversations with the other players. Although most of the soloing is performed by Ruocco, the album offers plenty of opportunities to hear sublime piano soloing in addition to Taylor´s playing behind the clarinet, as usual in perfect harmony and with great taste. Del Fra is beautifully melodic and mellow, exactly with accordance to what the mood dictates, but his pulsations are perfectly timed and serve as the rhythmic timeline, especially important in this drumless environment.
Overall the album offers refined European Jazz aesthetics and an unpretentious, but powerful statement of "less is more", which holds the listener captive for the duration and leaves him lingering for more when the music is over.
Ruocco´s recorded legacy is relatively limited and this album is definitely a gem worth investigating. Taylor´s many connoisseurs, most of which are probably not aware of this album´s existence, should find this an essential piece in their collection. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 06/10/2020Posted: 06/10/2020 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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