Record Reviews

KENNY WHEELER / BRIAN DICKINSON ~ STILL WATERS DODICILUNE 213 ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 This is an album by the duo comprising of British (Canadian born) trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Canadian pianist / composer Brian DickinsonFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tracks, all of which are original compositions, five by Wheeler and four by Dickenson. The music is a marvelous collection of beautiful melodic themes, brilliantly performed by the duo, with plenty of space, which allows for extensive soloing by both musicians. Most of material is deeply lyrical and melancholic, which fits both players perfectly. The intimate duo format is an ideal setting for this material and lacks absolutely nothing, which might have enhanced it. For the many Wheeler fans, this criminally little know album is an absolute revelation in every sense, as it perfectly reflects his gentle character and outstanding virtuosity as a trumpeter, with his unique sound and aesthetic approach of unparalleled exquisiteness. Dickinson proves to be a perfect partner in crime on this recording, with his tender and fluid accompaniment, as well as the creator of the entire melodic / harmonic background layer of this recording. The album is a perfect example of the “Art of the Duo” phenomenon. Overall, this is an absolute gem of an album, which is a must have item in any serious Wheeler collection. It was released both on the Canadian Hornblower RecordingsFind albums on this label and on the Italian DodiciluneFind albums on this label label, and is quite difficult to find, but worth every effort.

Updated: 07/07/2024Posted: 07/07/2024

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PIERLUIGI BALDUCCI ~ BLUE FROM HEAVEN DODICILUNE 303 (Barcode: 8033309693033) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2012 Released: 2012 This is an album by Italian electric bassist / composer Pierluigi BalducciFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with American oboist / saxophonist Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist, British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Italian drummer Michele RabbiaFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, one of which is a bonus alternate take, all but two composed by Balducci and one each by Brad MehldauFind albums by this artist and Charlie HadenFind albums by this artist. The album was released by the excellent Italian DodiciluneFind albums on this label label, which is the home of many excellent albums. The music is a superb collection of mostly original compositions, brilliantly executed by the quartet of first class musicians. Balducci’s electric bass is given a lot of exposure, as appropriate for a leader / composer, and his playing is wonderfully melodic and round. McCandless is given most of the solo space, and he is the usual “Pied Piper of Hamelin”, weaving the endless oboe and soprano saxophone parts, like only he is able to. Tylor is, as always, heartbreakingly lyrical and provides sublime harmonic support and occasional brilliant solos. Rabbia keeps the proceeding rolling in a tight rhythmic frame. Together they are simply a blissful European Jazz experience. McCandless, although American, is an ideal partner here, as his approach to Music in general, and Jazz in particular, always was much more open and appreciative of European aesthetics, as well as World Music influences, making him a true Global artist. His work with Oregon and his extended recording legacy, which spans well over a hundred albums, earned him a universal respect among his musical peers. Overall, this is a wonderful album, full of beautiful lyrical music, with perfect harmonies and heartwrenching melodic themes, performed by some of the best musicians out there, and although probably completely unfamiliar to most Jazz listeners, is absolutely worth being discovered, which I wholeheartedly recommend of course.

Updated: 17/03/2026Posted: 29/01/2025

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MCCANDLESS / TAYLOR / BALDUCCI / RABBIA ~ EVANSIANA DODICILUNE 365 (Barcode: 8033309693651) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2017 This is a brilliant, and sadly quite obscure album by the international Jazz quartet comprising of American saxophonist / clarinetist / oboist Paul McCandlessFind albums by this artist (of OregonFind albums by this artist fame), British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist and Italian rhythm section: bass guitarist Pierluigi BalducciFind albums by this artist and drummer Michele RabbiaFind albums by this artist. As the title (subtly) suggests, the music is a tribute to the legendary American pianist / composer Bill EvansFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, seven of which are compositions by Evans and the remaining three are by Leonard BernsteinFind albums by this artist, Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, all fitting the bill (sic) perfectly. The idea of the album’s producer Gabriele RampinoFind albums by this artist was to present Evan’s music in a European Jazz perspective and his choice of Taylor was of course ideal, as amongst the many great European pianists, Taylor obviously represented the same lyrical approach to Jazz composition and performance, as Evans, with a specific European flavoring naturally. The choice of McCandless was similarly accurate, as among all the American reedmen, he was always closest to the European harmonic and melancholic sensibilities, rather than traditional American Blues oriented tendencies. The two Italians complete the lineup naturally, supporting the two soloist amicably and tastefully, even if the electric bass in these circumstances might have risen a brow. Overall, this is a gentle, beautiful piece of music, which firmly belongs in every collection of recordings by John Taylor, and which can be still found on the DodiciluneFind albums on this label site, along many splendid albums this Italian label released over time. For dedicated British Jazz followers, this is of course an absolute must!

Updated: 17/03/2026Posted: 17/03/2026

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ROBERTO OTTAVIANO ~ DARK SIDES DODICILUNE 589 (Barcode: 8059772565899) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2025 Released: 2025 This is an album by Italian saxophonist / clarinetist / composer / bandleader Roberto OttavianoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with oud player Peppe FranaFind albums by this artist, electronics manipulator Luca RoccatagliatiFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. DJ RoccaFind albums by this artist), bassist Giorgio VendolaFind albums by this artist and drummer Ermanno BaronFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, six of which are original compositions by Ottaviano, one is co-composed by Frana and Roccatagliati, two are traditional tunes, one is an adaptation of a Classical piece and finally one is by British composer Jocelyn PookFind albums by this artist. The music is absolutely gorgeous, mostly superbly melodic and deeply lyrical, with strong World Music accents, emphasized by the presence of the oud, which gets a prominent soloing space, but also influenced by the choice of the material and the prevailing ambience. The usage of electronics is very subtle and suits the music perfectly, and buy staying mostly as ornamentation adds a nice touch to the whole outcome. Ottaviano, who’s wonderful tone and sophisticated melancholy adorn many great Italian Jazz recordings, keeps constantly evolving and changing his musical expressionism, but his name on a cover of an album always guarantees quality and extraordinary depth of emotion, which of course is also true this time. Overall, this is another excellent recording by Ottaviano and his cohorts, especially for lovers of the Mediterranean Jazz-World Fusion and music spiced with the smell of Orient and its ancient beauty, a music which is a reflection of my home and roots. This is one insanely beautiful piece of music!

Updated: 22/03/2026Posted: 22/03/2026

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