An interesting and refreshingly different set of originals from a new-ish but very talented mostly European group with strong New York connections. This is the debut on Whirlwind for the leader and writer, drummer Francesco Ciniglio, out of Naples via NYC and Paris. Ciniglio is a noted stylist not only in drumming, but also in clothing and generally looking cool! Collaboration with Wynton Marsalis resulted in the trumpet maestro contributing lengthy, gushing liner notes, adding to the already ambitious aims of a programmatic approach where each song is “a landscape which a train might pass through.” The music owes little debt to Marsalis however, with a contemporary and loose feel, drawing on diverse rhythmic influences and an unusual palette featuring vibraphone and bass clarinet.
A gentle slow vibes and reeds opener is named after
his grandmother, Laura Martina, but this soon changes tracks to the
10 min Locomotive featuring solo drums in a style which sounded African
to my ears, but is apparently Neapolitan! As to be expected from a
drummer’s album, the rhythmic “locomotion” is prominent, but never dominant,
and another strong voice is soon introduced with emotional and engaging trumpet
playing by Spanish star Colom. The vibraphone and bass clarinet provide further
contrasting solos over strong and angular propulsion from bass/drums.
Self Made Man brings new rhythms, with choked and splashing cymbals. The horn
playing here is fabulous, recorded with a touch of echo, and plenty of
range (both tonal and dynamic) which convey intensity without any frenetic
excursions to the stratosphere.
The Turtle uses brushes pattering to evoke reptilian rather than railway
progress, while Concern in the Background is more abstract,
with ever-shifting drum workouts overlaid by loose motifs. This one builds to a
frenetic pace before a restated melody closes in a satisfying unison byf sax
and trumpet.
945 St Nicholas is the most straight ahead, with some blues feel, giving the bass
clarinet free rein with glorious range and emotive tone, and the vibes in piano
role giving a different feel to most other bands of this stripe.
The album closes with Mon Ange, unexpectedly introducing some
vocals, in a relaxed sequence of melancholy and passion… that’s Italians for
you I suppose.
A refreshing new voice with plenty of compositional
ideas on top of virtuoso and emotional playing - one to watch out for. Chris K
Release date: 23.07.21 CD, LP, Digital
at Whirlwind Recordings WR4773CD (UK)
Recorded on July 5/
6 2020 at Studio Ferber, Paris
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