11 Sep
Full of Life by Enrico Rava
- Written by Michael Laprarie
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A first glance at the instrumentation of Enrico Rava's new CD "Full of Life" brings to mind the past pianoless groups led by Max Roach and particularly Gerry Mulligan. Though this group owes a debt to the early pianoless pioneers, they have definitely moved out into their own territory. The variety of two-horn interaction, spontaneity of the rhythm players, and Rava's approaches to compositions make this an effort that continually offers pleasant surprises.Rava possesses a distinctly modern approach to his improvising and a full, warm tone on his trumpet. Saxophonist Javier Girotto alternates between weaving soprano lines and elegant bari work to provide Rava's counterpoint. The group pays homage to the Mulligan/Baker approach to standards on "Surrey With The Fringe On Top", but offers refreshingly original interpretations of "Moonlight in Vermont" and "Nature Boy." Rava's own compositions also play heavily in the group's repertoire, including the relaxed Latin opener "Recuerdos", the eerie "Mystere", and the straight-ahead bebop lines of the title track, "Full of Life".This is a well-produced and recorded CD that should serve to introduce a greater American audience to these world-class Italian jazz artists.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Enrico Rava
- CD Title: Full of Life
- Genre: Straight-Ahead / Classic
- Year Released: 2003
- Record Label: Cam Jazz
- Tracks: Recuerdos, The Surrey With the Fringe on Top, Mystere, Miss MG, Moonlight in Vermont, Boston April 15th, Happiness is to Win a Big Prize in Cash, Nature Boy, Full of Life, Visions, Miss MG (alternate)
- Musicians: Enrico Rava, trumpet; Javier Gorotto, baritone and soprano sax; Ares Tavolazzi, bass; Fabrizio Sferra, drums
- Label Website: http://www.camjazz.com
- Rating: Three Stars
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Straight-Ahead / Classic - CD Reviews
