snobb
Italy is a great land for romantic music.For classics and ballads.Jazz (as well as rock) are both aliens there, few successful experiments are just exemptions,confirming the main rule.
Enrico Rava was first Italian jazz artist,representing the country at international level.He was born in Trieste in 1939 - I know this town well, and believe me - it is not real Italy!Being independent town-state for years (last time - for some years after WWII),with long history being a part of Austria, this place is a strange mix of Roman and Germanic culture (with light Balkan flavor and Adriatic breeze as two important ingredients).At the same time it has that characteristic Adriatic coastal town atmosphere with central city square opened to sea, narrow streets,all coming from hilly suburbs to central square and smell of roasted chestnuts on every yard in August...Rava's music at its best is a product of this town - mix of Central European and Italian culture with scent of Adriatic spirit.
Rava's early works are strongly influenced by Miles Davis music and (fortunately!) almost don't include that honey-sweet South European melodies and over-emotional sentimentality that can destroy even good composition."Pupa O Crisalide " was recorded with three different ensembles in three different continents and naturally contains quite various music.
Album's opener and closer both were recorded in Rome with Italian musicians, and are closest to Rava's later "Italian recordings". Still Miles Davis influences are obvious.Rest of vinyl side A was recorded in New York with American septet (including such musicians as John Abercrombie (on electric guitar) and drummer Jack DeJohnette),them are strongest albums part. Similar to Miles Davis electric fusion period,music here is a bit warmer,more aerial and a bit softer, but sounds excellent (if not extremely original).
Two left album's compositions were recorded in Buenos Aires with Argentinian musicians and contains music,influenced by Latin fusion. Overall album is very variable and has some really strong moments.Very soon Enrico will start working for ECM and his music will become much more predictable.
One strong Italian jazz album and excellent entry to Enrico Rava music.