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  | ZZ QUARTET ~ MIDNIGHT IN EUROPE
IN+OUT 77145 (Barcode: 798747714525) ~ CROATIA ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2019 Released: 2021
This is the third album by the European Jazz ensemble called ZZ QuartetFind albums by this artist, co-led by Croatian guitarist Ratko ZjacaFind albums by this artist and Italian accordionist Simone ZanchiniFind albums by this artist with Macedonian (resident in Germany) bassist Martin GjakonovskiFind albums by this artist and American drummer Adam NussbaumFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded live and the album presents nine original compositions, four by Zjaca and five by Zanchini.
The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz and European Folkloristic themes, excellently put together and brilliantly performed by the quartet. Accordion is of course a very dominant instrument and Zanchini takes the center stage most of the time, which is perfectly fine as his virtuosic delivery is worth every minute of attention. He is full of the Italian lyricism and incredible feel of melody, which many Italian musicians are blessed with. The fourteen minutes long ballad “Frida Is Vanished” is alone worth the price of the album and epitomizes the soulful atmosphere of the music perfectly.
Zjaca adds the Jazz element to the music, soloing skillfully and accompanying the accordion amicably in the background. His music is more Blues oriented, adding different accents to the album as a whole and making it more diverse.
The rhythm section is also playing impressively, with veteran Nussbaum, who needs no introduction, adding the perfect accents but playing delicately and sparingly. Gjakonovski, one of the rising young European bass stars, delivers everything expected of him.
Overall this is an excellent album, full of great music and exciting performances, with a unique sound and atmosphere, which consolidates Jazz with many European cultural elements, mostly of Mediterranean origin. A delightful listening experience!
| | Updated: 05/07/2021Posted: 05/07/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
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