Rava, Enrico - The Words and the Days
SKU
28-ECM1982
"Enrico Rava is jazz royalty in his native Italy. In the more than four-decades since he gained his initial acclaim in the then burgeoning avant-garde scene as part of Argentinean saxophonist Gato Barbieri's band, he has not only mentored two generations of his homeland's aspiring jazz musicians but also become one of its most valued and valuable musical exports. With his most recent ECM release, "The Words and the Days," Rava picks up where `04's gem "Easy Living" left off. Featuring the same group-with the exception of pianist Andrea Pozza who replaces Stefano Bollani, the quintet once again showcases their unique brand of nimble, empathic interplay. Buoyed by a strong group aesthetic, much of the strength and charm of this collective comes from the quality of the material they work with. Eight of the twelve tunes are Rava originals. A craftsman in the truest sense, the trumpeter's trademark sonic sketches expertly capture and convey a mood while also providing an ideal backdrop for interaction and improvisation. The title track opens the disc with the trumpeter delicately delivering the wistful longing of the theme over the rhythm section's hushed accompaniment. The twice-recorded "Secrets" follows and finds trombonist Gianluca Petrella joining the front-line. Building to a breezy, gentle gait, effective solos by Rava as well as bassist Rosario Bonaccorso, Pozza, and Petrella serve to formally introduce the band. The terse swing of "Echoes of Duke" is anchored by Pozza's piano and propelled by Gatto and Bonaccorso. Rava solos with gleeful abandon and considerable aplomb while Petrella's plunger-muted solo evokes the playful musicality of the finest Ellington ensembles and would surely make the tunes' namesake proud. Petrella may be thirty years Rava's junior, however while listening, one can't help but be struck by the notion that they are kindred musical spirits of the highest order. Don Cherry's "Art Deco" is splendidly cast as a playful duet which features the twosome engaged in an animated dialogue. Elsewhere "Bob the Cat" opens with the brass engaged in a spirited musical march while Gatto's "Traps" shines additional light on their strong rapport with its whimsical theme and an extended section that finds them soloing in tandem. Taken together "The Words and the Days" and its previously mentioned predecessor "Easy Living" compliment one another like two sides of the same glorious, preciously minted gold coin. Fans of Rava's music will find this new CD essential while those just looking for something exceptional to experience and savor need look no further. This is highly recommended listening."-James Lameretta