Record Reviews

ERODOTO PROJECT ~ MOLON LABE CULTURAL BRIDGE 1801 (Barcode: 661596809837) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2018 This is the second album by the Italian Erodoto ProjectFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Bob SalmieriFind albums by this artist, which also includes pianist Alessandro De AngelisFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco LoddoFind albums by this artist, drummer Giampaolo ScatozzaFind albums by this artist and percussionist Carlo ColomboFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, seven of which were composed by Salmieri, one by De Angelis and two co-composed by them both. The music is a lush, sensuous and beautifully melodic European Jazz with a strong Mediterranean and to some extent Latin feeling. The compositions are all excellent, with typical Italian Jazz harmonic sweetness, which is simply heartbreaking. This music is here to caress and explore the beauty of the tunes, without trying to impress or overwhelm. The masterly balance between the accessibility of this music and its elegance is achieved in full, without compromising the artistic Jazz values. The individual performances are all excellent, with Salmieri playing subtle saxophone parts but also using the ney (Middle Eastern flute) and De Angelis playing both acoustic and electric pianos. The presence of the percussion on all the tunes is very appropriate for this music and adds to its value. The rhythm section is supportive, but not obtrusive, doing exactly what is required in this type of music. Overall this is a kind of album that should not be overanalyzed, but simply enjoyed to the max, preferably with a glass of wine in one´s hand.

Updated: 13/10/2018Posted: 13/10/2018

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

NINA PEDERSEN ~ EYES WIDE OPEN LOSEN 184 (Barcode: 7090025831843) ~ NORWAY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017 This is the third album by Norwegian (resident in Rome) Jazz singer / songwriter Nina PedersenFind albums by this artist, accompanied by the excellent piano trio consisting of pianist Pierpaolo PrincipatoFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco LoddoFind albums by this artist and drummer Giampaolo ScatozzaFind albums by this artist. Trumpeter Aldo BassiFind albums by this artist plays on a couple of tunes and saxophonist Paolo InnarellaFind albums by this artist plays on another two tracks. The album presents eight songs, seven of which are originals (music and lyrics in English) by Pedersen and one is by the wonderful duo of John SurmanFind albums by this artist and Karin KrogFind albums by this artist. The original songs are all beautifully woven by their author, with superb melodic themes and intelligent lyrics. They are all standard quality and the album flows smoothly from start to finish like a collection of well known tunes, which of course is a rare quality. The piano trio and guests play fabulously, supporting the vocalist amicably and adding occasional solos, all perfectly suiting the music. Bassi is especially imaginative during his parts on the two songs and I wish he would have played for the entire duration of the album. Pedersen has a wonderfully mature, dark and enticing voice, in some respects similar to that of Karin Krog herself, who wrote a short comment for the album´s liner notes, with which I agree completely. This is one of those albums, which do not try to be spectacular even for a moment, but deliver exactly what is appropriate within its scope: wonderful songs and perfect execution, full of heartfelt emotion, honesty and great taste, creating a first class aesthetic experience. Very well done!

Updated: 06/11/2017Posted: 06/11/2017

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend