I’ve never had the good fortune of meeting multi-reedman Carlo Actis Dato. And judging by his musical demeanor, I’d go out on a short limb stating that he is not the shy or bashful type. With his lengthy discography for this eminent U.K., based record label and other European based entities, the artist is renowned for executing high-impact, progressive-jazz/free-jazz amid the intermingling of Mediterranean folk into his broad vernacular. On this 2008 album, Dato enlists additional artists to expand his long-running quartet into a nonet. The music iterated here emanates from a live recording performed at an Italian studio.
The title of this record pronounces Dato’s worldly adventures. As his music unto itself, exudes aggression and confidence in one fell swoop. Featuring six hornists, this project excels upon a sense of bravado via foot-stomping jazz, shaded with a global stance. Drummer Daniele Bertone lays down a rock solid pulse for the opener titled “Here We Are,” which is a piece nestled within a maze-like horns arrangement, awash with riotous choruses and a brash mode of attack
It’s serious-minded jazz, counterbalanced by moments of wit and whimsy to complement an abundance of torrid soloing endeavors and pulsating percussion breakouts. At times, the musicians project jubilance and regality along with notions of attending a wild Italian wedding reception. On “Bella Ciao I,” the band intersperses cartoon-like themes with prophetic and regal overtures. Complex, powerful and fast-paced, the nonet pulls out all the proverbial stops while carving out a modern-jazz framework that should endear the hearts of many. In sum, Dato repeatedly communicates this uncanny ability to merge disparate stylizations into a singular compositional tone: A trait that sets him apart from many of his peers!
JazzReview.com
