Karmel & Xabier Iriondo | Gianni Mimmo | Cristiano Calcagnile’s Nibiru Ensemble | Airchamber 3+4 | Claudio Fasoli & Mario Zara | Pierfrancesco Mucari | Angelo Contini & Federico Cumar | Francesco Cusa & Shirin Demma | NovoTono | ON WAR | Amirani Records

Asked by amirani records, many musicians, each one with their own project, are here involved in the conceptual investigation of the confictual relationship among human beings. All tracks are original compositions for this goal. Amirani’s intent is to moove or provoke artists to compose and perform around social issues. Relationships and communication with all muscians involved in this adventure has been excellent and Amirani is thinking about a second volume for the next year. Each artist/composer/performer has been requested to explain his piece, to introduce his proceeding, to describe his way to approach to concept “War”. So in the booklet one can find an explanation for each piece directly from the musician. To extend the communication, to enhance the perspective, to create more possibilities of relations each piece has been completed with a marvellous photo by Elda Papa. So be confident to find here a nice, fresh, intense Amirani style work. Continue reading

Zeno de Rossi Shtik | The Manne I Love! Vol.1 & 2 | El Gallo Rojo Records

De Rossi’s take on Manne is reminiscent of John Zorn’s tribute to Ennio Morricone on The Big Gundown (Nonesuch, 1986), where the Downtown saxophonist/composer combined various musicians to salute the spirit of the noted film composer. Like Zorn, De Rossi chooses not to adhere to strict covers remakes, employing Daniele D’Agaro and Francesco Bigoni, on his cover of Sonny Rollins’ trio session, Way Out West (OJC, 1957), as a two-tenor saxophone conversation, under which he applies his deft beats. Throughout the set, De Rossi’s passionate playing is the constant—like Manne, always swinging and tasteful. […] Throughout, De Rossi delivers a drum clinic. Accenting, driving, and swinging the tribute, he makes you want to dig in, dig? — Mark Corroto, All About Jazz – 21.12.2010 Continue reading

Pepe Medri & Timbuctu Orkestra | Fernando | El Gallo Rojo Records

A good artistic fellowship needs lucky encounters and a balance of personalities that is often hard to reach. I can tell that Pepe Medri’s Timbuctù Orkestra has these features. The credit is to give to Pepe’s music, which comes from tango and folk music and trusts to the collective arrangement of an ensemble made from musicians coming from jazz and contemporary classical music. The balance produced, between folk roots and free-improvised areas, strictness and naïvety, is real magic. — Dimitri Sillato Continue reading