Record Reviews

ENRICO RAVA ~ ON THE DANCE FLOOR ECM 2293 (Barcode: 602537066544) ~ ITALY ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 A few months ago I received an album, which was an attempt to create a Jazz tribute to the music of Michael JacksonFind albums by this artist. That album was pretty awful and therefore when I realized that one of my favorite Jazz heroes, veteran Italian trumpeter / composer Enrico RavaFind albums by this artist, also recorded a tribute to the same Pop icon, my initial reaction was of course that of anxiety. It was a relief to find out that this time things worked out quite differently. This album presents a live recording of a small Big Band (twelve musicians) led by Rava, which performs nine songs, eight of which are associated with (and seven written by) Michael Jackson, and one, which is used as an interlude, is the beautiful "Smile" written my Charlie ChaplinFind albums by this artist. Trombonist Mauro OttoliniFind albums by this artist wrote all the fantastic band arrangements. Rava obviously enjoys himself immensely playing this music, as this is the "happiest" recording he made in a very long time. Most of the arrangements are slower than the original songs and place them in quite a different perspective. The orchestration adds a certain feeling of seriousness and maturity to the usual Jackson attitude, which was all razzle-dazzle and oomph. Rava´s age and his aptitude to take things easy are obviously the reasons why he prefers to solo on the laid back passages, which does not mean that the entire album lacks energy – on the contrary some of the arrangements are very lively indeed and even Rock hard at times. But in every case Jackson´s music is thoughtfully and intelligently transferred into the Jazz idiom, preserving the original melody lines and rhythmic riffs to certain extent, but allowing for a wide range of fascinating arrangements and a plentitude of exciting solos. Overall it is obvious that this music is all a loving tribute, rather than simply an attempt to use Jackson´s fame and tragic death as an excuse to gain popularity. Rava, at his age and status hardly needs any stunts to affirm his legendary rank. As usual, he loves to play with young musicians and feels comfortable with Rock and electric guitars screaming behind (or in front) of his trumpet. His tone and phrasing are still unparalleled and he continues to be forever young, at least so far as his music is concerned. This is a most pleasing release, which presents yet another face of Enrico Rava, which hopefully will find him new adoring fans among the younger listeners. In any case, this is definitely an album every Rava fan should explore, sooner or later. Hats off, Maestro!

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