Record Reviews

STEFANO BOLLANI ~ SHEIK YER ZAPPA DECCA 602547051523 (Barcode: 602547051523) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014 This is a live album by Italian pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet comprising of American musicians: vibraphonist Jason AdasiewiczFind albums by this artist, trombonist Josh RosemanFind albums by this artist, bassist Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BlackFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the Genius of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and was recorded during the quintet’s 2011 tour. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were composed by Zappa, two are by Bollani and one is co-composed by Bollani and Adasiewicz. The album offers a brilliant authentic sound quality. The music is absolutely brilliant, not only because the strength of the original material by Zappa, but no less importantly because the zany approach by Bollani and his cohorts, who all seem to have an absolute blast performing it and approach it with obvious joy and intellectual freedom. Of course Zappa fans will recognize the original pieces, but they are all treated with a lot of liberty and humor, which add to the experience. I am pretty sure Zappa would have approved wholeheartedly to the whole affair. Personally I am not objective of course, as I admire everything Zappa related, but it is such a pleasure to see that musicians of the statue of Bollani love and respect his music as well. I am pretty sure that every Zappa fan will love this project, especially those more Jazz oriented ones, but strangely enough this album is relatively completely unknown and it took me years to discover it. Well, better late than never, as they say, and now I can enjoy it and recommend it to Zappa fanatics, and beyond. This album is quite an eye (ear) opener! Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, paying a tribute to the greatest American musical Genius of the 20th Century, a visionary and a prophet. These Jazzy arrangements do not go far beyond Zappa’s Jazziest efforts, so sold fans will welcome them instinctively, and if any innocent bystanders get hooked as well, it’s all for the best!

Updated: 15/01/2025Posted: 15/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JAKOB BRO / JOE LOVANO ~ ONCE AROUND THE ROOM: A TRIBUTE TO PAUL MOTIAN ECM 2747 (Barcode: 602445994908) ~ DENMARK ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 2021 Released: 2022 This is an album by Danish guitarist Jakob BroFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist Joe LovanoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a highly unusual septet setting with three bassists: American Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and Thomas MorganFind albums by this artist and Danish Anders ChristensenFind albums by this artist, and two drummers: American Joey BaronFind albums by this artist and Spanish Jorge RossyFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, two each by Bro and Lovano, one by American drummer / composer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist, to whom the album is dedicated, and finally one co-credited to all seven participating musicians. The music is completely free spirited, mostly improvised with very little melodic continuity. It is mostly about atmosphere and despite the fact that it is performed by obviously highly talented musicians, sounds to me quite estranged and cold. It sadly represents the many ECMFind albums on this label albums, that despite the high potential completely fail to deliver anything worth mentioning. Overall, for me this album says very little, and is one of those records that I continued to listen to until it was finished only from the respect I feel towards the musicians, never to return to it again.

Updated: 14/01/2025Posted: 14/01/2025

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend

CHARLES LLOYD ~ THE SKY WILL STILL BE THERE TOMORROW BLUE NOTE 602458167948 (Barcode: 602458167948) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024 This is a 2CD album by the iconic American saxophonist / flautist / composer Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded in a classic quartet setting with pianist Jason MoranFind albums by this artist, bassist Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and drummer Brian BladeFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen tracks, all of which are original compositions by Lloyd or his arrangements of traditional tunes. The music is absolutely Divine, from start to finish, full of gentle melodies, heartbreaking melancholy and uplifting love. Lloyd’s heartfelt liner notes on the album’s cover say it all, summarizing his life in music. The last of the Great American Jazz Mohicans is still here with us, sharing with us a sublime bouquet of new and old compositions, for which we are grateful. The three companions playing alongside Lloyd are perfect for this album, and although this is the first time Blade is playing with Lloyd, the affinity and respect are all in place. Lloyd seems to be completely ageless on this album. Ignoring the tide of time, he is as creative, technically perfect and emotionally encompassing, as musicians half his age, and more. We can only hope to hear more new music from him, as he never fails to deliver in full. Overall, this is an absolute marvel of an album, with more that ninety minutes of music that never stops to caress and excite, truly ageless and universal. It is of course an essential piece of music, which deserves an honorable place in every record collection!

Updated: 23/05/2024Posted: 23/05/2024

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Essential Recommend To A Friend

BOBBY MCFERRIN ~ SPIRITYOUALL SONY 888837183826 (Barcode: 888837183826) ~ USA ~ Gospel Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This album by US vocalist / composer extraordinaire Bobby McFerrinFind albums by this artist is a profound back to the roots examination of his musical path so far and its origins. It presents thirteen songs, seven of which are traditional spirituals, five are his original compositions and one is a Bob DylanFind albums by this artist song. All these songs have a common musical ground, going back to the roots of American music and even deeper back to the African sources of this music. McFerrin is accompanied by a splendid group of instrumentalists, which includes keyboardist Gil GoldsteinFind albums by this artist, who also plays the accordion extensively on this album and who is responsible for the superb arrangements, guitarist Larry CampbellFind albums by this artist, bassists Esperanza SpaldingFind albums by this artist and Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and drummers Charley DraytonFind albums by this artist and Ali JacksonFind albums by this artist. Spalding also adds her vocals on several tracks and four background vocalists participate on a couple tracks. McFerrin also uses this album to pay a tribute to his father, Robert McFerrin, Sr.Find albums by this artist who was the first African-American to sing a title role at the Metropolitan Opera. Several of the spirituals covered by Bobby on this album were recorded by his father on his 1957 solo album "Deep RiverFind albums with this title", and receive here a renewed treatment. The entire album is full of spirituality, faith and love, expressed in a humble, honest and most sincere way, without any attempt to preach or convert. It reflects accurately and beautifully McFerrin´s personality, who is one of the kindest and friendliest persons I have ever had the pleasure to meet and spend time with. Musically this album is less adventurous than McFerrin´s earlier work, but of course in this case it is all quite intentional. And yet he gets to display an enormous range of his vocal abilities, singing words, scat, vocalese and uttering sounds, all the above with his usual elegance and eloquence. The instrumental accompaniment is also first-rate, with a unique, mostly acoustic and down to earth sound, which suits this music perfectly, being a perfect example of "less is more". Overall this is a perfect example of an album, which is most entertaining and yet at the same time is superbly executed, intelligent and deeply emotional – a rare event indeed. Every music lover on earth should be able to enjoy this music immensely simply opening the heart and ears at the same time. Thank you Bobby, again!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

ENRICO RAVA ~ NEW YORK DAYS ECM 2064 (Barcode: 602517727151) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2008 Released: 2009 Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist has been one of the leaders of European Jazz since several decades and his impressive and extensive recorded legacy is a source of inspiration and musical excellence. This album, recorded in NY, presents a set of new original compositions by Rava and was recorded with brilliant Italian pianist Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist and American musicians: saxophonist Mark TurnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul MotianFind albums by this artist. Full of lyricism and typical European melodic frivolity, the album does not break any new ground, but is, as always in the case of Rava, a deeply aesthetic and uplifting listening experience. The music is somewhat minimalist and relaxed, but shouldn´t be mistaken as lifeless; it simply requires more attentive listening and a lot of experience to find and enjoy the tricks of the trade. A beautiful album, wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend