Record Reviews

STEFANO BOLLANI ~ SHEIK YER ZAPPA DECCA 602547051523 (Barcode: 602547051523) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz Recorded: 2011 Released: 2014 This is a live album by Italian pianist / composer Stefano BollaniFind albums by this artist, recorded with his quintet comprising of American musicians: vibraphonist Jason AdasiewiczFind albums by this artist, trombonist Josh RosemanFind albums by this artist, bassist Larry GrenadierFind albums by this artist and drummer Jim BlackFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, the album is a tribute to the Genius of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and was recorded during the quintet’s 2011 tour. The album presents nine tracks, six of which were composed by Zappa, two are by Bollani and one is co-composed by Bollani and Adasiewicz. The album offers a brilliant authentic sound quality. The music is absolutely brilliant, not only because the strength of the original material by Zappa, but no less importantly because the zany approach by Bollani and his cohorts, who all seem to have an absolute blast performing it and approach it with obvious joy and intellectual freedom. Of course Zappa fans will recognize the original pieces, but they are all treated with a lot of liberty and humor, which add to the experience. I am pretty sure Zappa would have approved wholeheartedly to the whole affair. Personally I am not objective of course, as I admire everything Zappa related, but it is such a pleasure to see that musicians of the statue of Bollani love and respect his music as well. I am pretty sure that every Zappa fan will love this project, especially those more Jazz oriented ones, but strangely enough this album is relatively completely unknown and it took me years to discover it. Well, better late than never, as they say, and now I can enjoy it and recommend it to Zappa fanatics, and beyond. This album is quite an eye (ear) opener! Overall, this is a wonderful piece of music, paying a tribute to the greatest American musical Genius of the 20th Century, a visionary and a prophet. These Jazzy arrangements do not go far beyond Zappa’s Jazziest efforts, so sold fans will welcome them instinctively, and if any innocent bystanders get hooked as well, it’s all for the best!

Updated: 15/01/2025Posted: 15/01/2025

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend