Record Reviews

FRANCESCO BRUNO ~ ONIROTREE ALFA MUSIC 263 (Barcode: 8032050022222) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 Despite the fact that the friendship between Italian guitarist / composer / bandleader Francesco BrunoFind albums by this artist and myself lasts for many years, he still manages to completely surprise me with his musical endeavors time after time. Actress / dancer / vocalist Silvia LorenzoFind albums by this artist joined the circle of friendship a few years later, when she became a part of the “Remember” project, which paid tribute to the great Italian Poet Primo LeviFind albums by this artist, for which Francesco composed the music and I had the pleasure to cooperate with its conceptual outline. Her charming personality and mesmerizing stage presence were a great discovery for me at the time. When Francesco told me that his new project will put Silvia at the focus as a full-fledged vocalist, accompanied by just a guitar trio, I could not wait to hear the result. Now, after hearing this music performed live, in addition to this recorded version, my heart is filled with joy and pride of my Friends. Silvia collected a series of traditional songs, which were then magically transformed into the Jazz-World Fusion by the arrangements by Francesco and spiced with some original music by him, all brilliantly played by the trio, which also includes bassist Andrea ColellaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marco RovinelliFind albums by this artist and sung by Silvia. The music was superbly recorded by Francesco at his studio, and the result is truly spectacular. Silvia fully delivers all the expectations, performing in her very personal fashion, which floats between singing and acting, mixing the two perfectly and creating a completely unique sonic experience, which is absolutely enchanting. Her interpretation of the songs, which originate from many diverse cultural backgrounds, manages to create a coherent statement, which offers tribute to a multi-cultural musical tradition, which proves that music known no boundaries. Francesco takes a bold step to put his guitar playing at the very focus of this music, along the vocals, giving up piano accompaniment, which is usually featured on his projects. This allows the listener to fully appreciate his amazing technique as a guitarist and his beautiful musicality. The minimalist trio format, with the excellent rhythm section at its foundation, does a perfect job here, focusing on the heartbreaking guitar soli, which were less dominant of Francesco’s earlier recordings. Overall, this is a truly beautiful musical experience, honest and straight to the heart, with excellent musical contents and flawless execution, all brilliantly recorded and sounding like a dreamy musical journey with the “less is more” aesthetics at heart. Thank you my Friends for this gorgeous gift of music!

Updated: 15/09/2022Posted: 15/09/2022

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FRANCESCO BRUNO ~ ZAKYNTHOS ALFA MUSIC 285 (Barcode: 8032050023243) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is an album by Italian guitarist / composer / bandleader Francesco BrunoFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio setting with bassist Andrea ColellaFind albums by this artist and drummer Marco RovinelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions by Bruno. In many respects this intimate guitar trio recording is a celebration of a “full circle” in Francesco’s career, which spans decades and a wide range of stylistic encounters. Stripped down to the basics, with the guitar clearly in the epicenter and Jazz at helm, Bruno demonstrates his cumulative experience and his natural talent, now completely matured and ripened. I have accompanied Francesco, who happens to be also a Dear Friend, since many years now, and after hearing him play on several occasions some time ago, I told him that I truly enjoyed his guitar playing again, which received less prominent exposure in his projects, and encouraged him to bring the guitar up to the front again, and I am very happy to see him doing just that. As a result, we are able to hear a wonderful cascade of notes he manages to create on this album, which goes back to the style and feel of the legendary Classic guitar masters, like Jim HallFind albums by this artist, Barney KesselFind albums by this artist, Kenny BurrellFind albums by this artist, Joe PassFind albums by this artist and others. The new compositions are also somewhat more vibrant and full of delightful Mediterranean breeze, as the title of the album suggests. Sunny beaches, a “zephyr” wind and the smell of the sea if what we, the people living around the Mediterranean all love, and which brings us together, often without a need for words. The compositions are ideal vehicles for the extensive guitar soloing, and the sensitive and amicable rhythm section is up to the task at all time. Overall, this is an excellent Jazz guitar trio album, sounding both contemporary and fondly reminiscent of the classic Jazz guitar recordings, beautifully played, composed and recorded, which should delight all Jazz lovers around the world and make guitar freaks salivate. There are very few guitar recordings like this one made nowadays, so don’t even think twice before you grab a copy. Molte grazie, amico mio!

Updated: 06/08/2023Posted: 06/08/2023

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend