GERARDO FRISINA – BLUE LATIN
A great small combo set from percussionist Gerardo Frisina –
a set that feels as if it's got some programming in the rhythms, a bit like
some of his earlier singles – but which also features a fair bit of live jazz
instrumentation too! The album's got a sound that really fits the color of the
title – tunes that are upbeat, but nicely chromatic too – thanks to some
excellent piano lines, balanced alongside trumpet, tenor, and flute – plus some
warm acoustic basslines, and a bit of Fender Rhodes as well! As always with
Frisina, even when the rhythms are programmed, they're never too stiff – as the
man draws more inspiration from classic Latin sounds than most of his producer
contemporaries, and really knows how to make things sound great. Titles include
"Mulata", "Blue Latin", "Incanto",
"Baracoa", "Naquela Base", and "Olympia (part
2)".~ Dusty Groove
ADAM BEN EZRA – PIN DROP
Pretty wonderful sounds from Adam Ben Ezra – an artist who
works here completely solo, but with a flowing range of sounds that's
completely hypnotizing overall! Ezra's a bassist at heart, but also plays piano
and clarinet on the record – and also vocalizes a bit, and adds in some foot
stomps too – all with this earthy, organic approach to his instruments that
really opens up their sonic possibilities, while still also keeping things in a
forward-moving, always-swinging style! The work on bass is especially wonderful
– as Adam's strong, deep notes are extremely powerful – and often offset by
more unusual touches on the strings – not in a gimmicky way, but just fresh
sonic expressions. Titles include "Prayer", "Silk Road",
"Balagusto", "Can't Stop Running", "Brown Piano",
and "India Time". ~ Dusty
Groove
LUCA MANNUTZA QUINTET - REMEMBERING
Great work from a jazz quintet who really knows how to make
things soar – a group that's led by pianist Luca Mannutza, who we've really
loved on previous records – and who seems to hit new heights with this album!
The group have a very round, rolling sound – one that fuses Mannutza's piano
with the alto of Paolo Recchia and guitar of Enrico Bracco, in these swirling
lines that are pushed along by tremendous work on bass by Luca Bulgarelli,
whose warmth really makes the music shine. The elements are familiar, but the
way they fuse together is very unique – on titles that include "Blake
Runner", "Dedalo", "Circles", "Silent
Prayer", "Solar", "Vortex", and "Gira Mondo
Gira". ~ Dusty Groove
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