Record Reviews

GIANLUIGI TROVESI ~ THE COMPLETE REMASTERED RECORDINGS ON BLACK SAINT & SOUL NOTE CAM JAZZ 1032 (Barcode: 8052405141378) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 1978 - 2004 Released: 2014 This superb Box Set collects all the recordings by legendary Italian clarinetist / saxophonist / composer / bandleader Gianluigi TrovesiFind albums by this artist released on the Black SaintFind albums on this label, Soul NoteFind albums on this label and Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label labels (the album´s title is a bit misleading in that respect). The set includes nine albums featuring various recordings by Trovesi as a leader and sideman over a span of twenty five years made alongside the top Italian Jazz players active in the 1980s and 1990s and is therefore a superb document of the era. Trovesi, who is today one of the pillars of modern Italian Jazz, started his career in early 1970s, playing first as a member of ensembles led by legendary Italian Jazz Godfathers like Franco CerriFind albums by this artist and Giorgio GasliniFind albums by this artist. From the mid 1970s he recorded dozens of albums as a leader, co-leader, guest and sidemen, becoming one the major forces of Italian and European Jazz. He often cooperates with other European musicians and his unique voice as an instrumentalist, as well as magnificent compositions, are classic examples of the scope and sophistication of European Jazz. Trovesi plays modern Jazz, which often stands on the verge of Free, always challenging the boundaries of the genre, often also including World Music and contemporary Classical influences, as reflected on the albums included here. His ensembles, the most notable of which was the octet featuring two bass players, always included the absolute crème de la crème of the Italian Jazz scene, such as trumpeters Pino MinafraFind albums by this artist, Paolo FresuFind albums by this artist and Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, pianist Guido ManusardiFind albums by this artist, drummer Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and numerous others. This music is an absolute must to all European Jazz enthusiasts, and the fact that it is available again is pure joy. Trovesi is a genius composer and instrumentalist and his legacy is well worth to be preserved and studied by the new generation of Jazz musicians. Remastered, mini-sleeved and with a great bargain price – this Box Set is an absolute must for any serious Jazz collector. Side Note The Italian independent record label Black SaintFind albums on this label was founded by the music critic / author / producer Giacomo PellicciottiFind albums by this artist in 1975. It was taken over by the producer Giovanni BonandriniFind albums by this artist in 1978 and a year later (1979) a sister label, called Soul NoteFind albums on this label, was established. The twin labels were run by Giovanni and later his son Flavio BonandriniFind albums by this artist, until they were sold in 2008 to the Italian KEPACH Music Group, which already owned the CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, and which also bought another Italian independent record label Dischi Della QuerciaFind albums on this label. The mission of the Black Saint / Soul Note labels was to record and document the Free Jazz / Improvised Music / Avant-Garde scene, mostly from the US but also from Europe, which continued between mid 1970s and late 1990s and produced a staggering collection of almost 550 albums recorded by world's most important Jazz innovators active at the time, providing an opportunity to American (mostly Afro-American) musicians, who would have never managed to make these recordings at home, ridden by racism, alienation and closed-mindedness. Without these two labels most of this fantastic human creativity would have been never documented. However, the Black Saint / Soul Note Box Sets produced under the CAM JazzFind albums on this label moniker are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard to the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires us to treat our cultural legacy with respect and loyalty. These Box Sets have no booklet which presents researched historical background and exact discographical information of the albums included, and most importantly an overview of the music and its meaning and contribution to the Jazz Art form. Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, the information is in most cases too small to be readable at all. In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap!

Updated: 05/05/2020Posted:

CD 9 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ERIC VLOEIMANS ~ UMAI CHALLENGE 70087 (Barcode: 608917008722) ~ NETHERLANDS ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000 This is the fourth album by Dutch trumpeter / composer Eric VloeimansFind albums by this artist recorded in a quartet setting with British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Furio Di CastriFind albums by this artist and American drummer Joe LaBarberaFind albums by this artist. It is his second recording with Taylor following the "Bitches And Fairy TalesFind albums with this title" album recorded a couple of years earlier. The album presents thirteen tracks, nine of which are original compositions by Vloeimans. The music is typical modern European Jazz, based on excellent compositions, which are melody driven but open enough to allow intensive interplay between the quartet members and extensive improvisations. The individual compositions present a diverse palette demanding serious listening involvement, but are aesthetically rewarding and interesting. The four musicians are highly regarded instrumentalists, which of course is plainly obvious from the very first notes. Vloeimans takes most of the soloing duties upon himself, with Taylor staying relatively in the background, with only occasional soloing, but his beautiful piano accompaniment parts are an integral part of the entire musical fabric. The rhythm section is fully involved in the interplay and both Di Castri and LaBarbera solo occasionally, showing their respective chops. At times the music bring fond memories of the music made by Taylor with his friend and long time collaborator Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, which of course is a feast to the listeners´ ears. Overall this is an excellent modern Jazz album, full of great music and excellent performances, which should keep any connoisseur of European Jazz happy and although recorded some twenty years ago, still sounds great today!

Updated: 02/10/2020Posted: 31/08/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend