Record Reviews

JOHN PARRICELLI ~ ALBA PROVOCATEUR 1021 (Barcode: 5038491102120) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 British guitarist / composer John ParricelliFind albums by this artist ranks amongst the most respected players on the contemporary British Jazz scene. His work with Andy SheppardFind albums by this artist and Colin TownsFind albums by this artist (also on the ProvocateurFind albums on this label label) shows his versatility and technical skills, but this, his debut album as a leader, focuses the attention on his compositional skills. All the music on this album was composed by him and is performed by an excellent quartet, featuring Mark LockheartFind albums by this artist on saxophone, Dudley PhillipsFind albums by this artist on bass and Martin FranceFind albums by this artist on drums. Stylistically the album moves across a wide spectrum of contemporary Jazz, from up-tempo Fusion oriented tunes to slow dreamy ballads. Some World Music influences are also apparent. Parricelli plays with gusto and obvious sensitivity. People who like Pat MethenyFind albums by this artist (not that Parricelli is copying Metheny in any way) will love this album, and all Jazz guitar lovers should find it interesting. Definitely worth investigating.

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COLIN TOWNS / MARIA PIA DE VITO ~ STILL LIFE PROVOCATEUR 1015 (Barcode: 5019148619420) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 British keyboardist / composer / arranger / bandleader Colin TownsFind albums by this artist is most commonly associated with his work for and with Jazz big bands, like his Mask OrchestraFind albums by this artist or the German NDR Big BandFind albums by this artist, but this album presents a different aspect of his work. Towns wrote ten intriguing compositions, of which nine are “songs” (i.e. include lyrics also written by him) and the entire cycle is preformed by an instrumental quintet (called not surprisingly Mask QuintetFind albums by this artist), fronted by the gorgeous Italian vocalist Maria Pia De Vito. The quintet members include, in addition to Towns who plays keyboards, some of his regular cohorts and members of his ensembles: saxophonist Julian ArgüellesFind albums by this artist, guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, bassist Dudley PhillipsFind albums by this artist and drummer Ralph SalminsFind albums by this artist. For lovers of modern vocal Jazz this album is a Godsend, as it presents a whole new outlook on the art of writing for vocals as well as vocal approach, rather than trying to use yet again some of the vocal Jazz standards, which often have been already abused to death. These are beautiful, intricate and highly intelligent compositions, using a wide palette of Jazz compositional structures, incorporating some World Music influences. De Vito performs these splendid songs with grace, deep musicality and unprecedented open-mindedness, creating a truly magnificent offering. Her crystal-clear voice, incredible range and above all sensitivity assure her position as one of the most important contemporary Jazz vocalists. Of course the instrumentalists accompanying her also contribute to this album’s success, playing impeccably and delicately not to overshadow her vocal parts. Towns’ cooperation with De Vito goes hand in hand with his work with the legendary British singer Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, as documented on other ProvocateurFind albums on this label Records releases. In many respects De Vito could be considered as an admirable younger “sister” of Norma’s, both of them sharing rare qualities and individual approach to Jazz vocals, which is extremely rare. The album is quite an experience and I had an absolutely marvelous time listening to it, surprised time and time again both by the music and the execution. I dare everybody to try it!

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