Rich dark toned romantic jazz Marco Pignataro – ALMAS ANTIGUAS: I grew up in a town populated (mostly) by immigrants from Poland, Russia and Italy in the 1950’s… we all (even us W.A.S.P.’s) grew intimately familiar with the dark tones of romance from those “ancient souls”, especially the folks from towns in Italy… this was all well before movies like “Godfather” became popular, with folks like the eternally alluring Sophia Loren romantically steaming up the screen… well, Marco’s tenor and soprano saxophone work brought back many of those memories in full force, especially on tunes like the mysteriously moving “Otranto” (a town east of Naples)… Marco’s sax is both lively and penetrating on this piece… since pictures are worth more than words, though, take a peek at the “2nd movement” of this song being performed at the Panama Jazz Festival…
…bright and ALIVE, to be sure! Samples aren’t up yet, but I’ll come back and add them when I’m advised that the album has moved into “sale mode”.
The distinctly Mediterranean feel on “Voce e’ Notte” (Voice in the Night) stirs visions and feelings in me that haven’t come to the surface in years… again, Marco’s horn work is absolutely fantastic on this tune; this is some of the most soulful saxophone playing I’ve listened to in many years, folks!
The piano introduction on the 7:03 title track, “Almas Antiguas”, is simple yet beautiful… and when Marco’s reeds fade in at about the 1:35 mark, I’m totally captivated – music that helps me travel back in time to my earliest and most poignant memories.
Of the eleven wonderful songs offered up for our aural pleasure, though, my pick for personal favorite is definitely the opener, “Panarea”… lively and full of the spirit of life and the living thereof… I wouldn’t be surprised to see this song be recommended for awards (and WIN them).
I give Marco and his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this exciting release. Get more information on Marco’s website. Rotcod Zzaj
#Rich #dark #toned #romantic #jazz #Marco #Pignataro
