Record Reviews

FRANCESCO BRUNO ~ WITAM VIDEO EIKON 002 (Barcode: 8033706214404) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is the ninth album by the Italian Jazz guitarist / composer Francesco BrunoFind albums by this artist and his quartet, which also includes pianist Pierpaolo PrincipatoFind albums by this artist, bassist Luca PirozziFind albums by this artist and drummer Nicola AngelucciFind albums by this artist. Two Polish Jazz musicians guest on couple of the album´s tacks: trumpeter Piotr WojtasikFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Sylwester OstrowskiFind albums by this artist and the Japanese pianist Makoto KuriyaFind albums by this artist guests on one track. The album presents nine original compositions, all by Bruno. The album´s title is the Polish word for "Welcome" and reflects Bruno´s special relationship with Poland, where he often performs with his quartet and Polish Jazz musicians. The music is a beautifully melodic mainstream Jazz, mostly very lyrical and somewhat melancholic on the slow tempo numbers. The compositions contain traces of typical Italian melody lines, characteristic of gentle breezes, sunny shores and lovable wine, that we, Mediterranean people know how to enjoy. The music broadcasts "amare la vita", with its elegance, nonchalance and caressing notes, which are meant to please and lift the spirit of the listener, without sounding banal or corny. Bruno has a very unique guitar sound, somewhat reminiscent of Pat Metheny but without the rough edge, and his quartet is an ideal vehicle for his melodic improvisations, with the pianist gently adding his highly harmonious ornamentations and the rhythm section elegantly steering the ensemble in the right direction. The guests also add some fine moments to the overall effort. On the whole this is a pleasant, stylish and graceful musical effort, which should make the listeners happy and asking for more. I suppose it would be most enjoyable accompanied by a glass of wonderful red wine and gentle see breeze, but sitting by a fireplace in the midst of winter is definitely also an option. Grazie amici!

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