Record Reviews

ENRICO RAVA ~ EDIZIONE SPECIALE ECM 2672 (Barcode: 602438718733) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021 This is a live album by the iconic Italian trumpeter / composer / bandleader Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a sextet setting with young Italian musicians: saxophonist Francesco BearzattiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Francesco DiodatiFind albums by this artist, pianist Giovanni GuidiFind albums by this artist, bassist Gabriele EvangelistaFind albums by this artist and drummer Enrico MorelloFind albums by this artist. The album presents six tracks, three of which are original compositions by Rava, one is a medley of a standard and another Rava composition, one is credited to five of the sextet members and finally one is a Cuban bolero song. The sound of the recording is rather murky and unfocused, surely sub-standard as far as ECMFind albums on this label sound quality is concerned and it suffers from balance problems for the entire duration. Rava is of course the Godfather of modern Italian Jazz and is beyond any classification or critique, in view of his enormous contribution to Italian / European Jazz, and despite his age (born 1939) is still a tremendous performer and composer. In my very personal opinion this sextet is not one of his strongest ensembles, suffering from internal imbalance, lack of coherence and stylistic inconsistence, but it definitely has its moments. As all young European Jazz players, this young Italian lineup has a lot of potential, but is not fully “domesticated” at the time of the recording, perhaps recorded a tad too early? Overall, this is an experiment with young musicians, celebrating the Maestro’s 80’s Birthday, which sounds a bit chaotic and undisciplined, but has its moments, with Rava still playing with full control of his qualities. The pleasure is somewhat dented by problematic sound quality / recording balance.

Updated: 22/12/2025Posted: 22/12/2025

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ENRICO RAVA ~ TRIBE ECM 2218 (Barcode: 602527669700) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2010 Released: 2011 This album presents an elderly Master surrounded by his disciples, or in other words veteran Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist with his all Italian and very young current quintet, which includes trombonist Gianluca PetrellaFind albums by this artist, pianist Giovanni GuidiFind albums by this artist, bassist Gabriele EvagelistaFind albums by this artist and drummer Fabrizio SferraFind albums by this artist. On four of the twelve tracks the quintet is expanded into a sextet with the addition of guitarist Giacomo AncillottoFind albums by this artist. In spite of the age difference, and perhaps thanks to it, the resulting music is simply fabulous. Rava´s often difficult compositions are treated with utmost respect by his fellow musicians, with each and every one on them adding his very personal touch, and the combined efforts simply work out wonderfully well. Although somewhat melancholic and somehow deliberately slow, the music manages to keep the listener involved it its development and mesmerized. Of course the level of musicianship is excellent throughout, but that by itself is often not enough to make the music worthwhile. It is the leader´s vision and his sense of direction that makes the music become a work of Art and enables the listener to enjoy it even at the most intricate moments. So regardless of what some critics may tell you, this is a remarkable album, artistically fulfilling and aesthetically satisfying, well worth your money and a source of many enjoyable moments of music. Don´t even think twice about it!

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