A debut album by Italian pianist and composer Alessandro
Fadini brings to light a well-educated mathematician, who is a self-taught pianist.This is not surprising, if you think about
it, music is a series of math equations strung together in a unique language. A
protégé of Marc Copland, he has a precipitate approach towards improvisation, creating
unique colorizations and seemingly higher math equations in his phrasing. A fine example of this can be heard on "Starting
Something."
On "All the Rest Is Boredom," contrasting
dissonant staccato phrases with melodically pleasing passages that build a
momentum and ample space for improvisation in an up-tempo feel is a foot.The beautifully crafted "Elegy for the
Living Dead" conveys a solemn feeling of self-examination and emotion. Likewise, a gentle flowing, solo piano intro on
"No Thrills," exhibits Fadini’s less is more maturity.But that is not to say that is all there is
to say in this tune, a frenetic build, dramatic stops for punctuation create a
tightly woven experience of exploration.
Supported by an aptly qualified group, a shining star in the
mix is Josiah Boornazian, who Fadini gives plenty of room for on the album to
lend to the overall result and sum of the release.A fine example of this is the opener “A Dark
and Stormy Day,” which showcases Boornazian as a deft and dynamic player, with
an almost slicing tone. What I found
most striking is his ability to mutate his tone on any given cut, to serve the
song itself.
Driving the rhythm section is Luke Markham on bass and Jakob
Dreyer on drums, the group has a fine rapport which is extended to the music
for a winning result. Fadini and Markham are exceptionally locked.Markham’s ability to caress with appropriate
textures, and push and pull, give an effective creativity to the overall sound
as best exhibited on his own composition "Mayall's Object" and
Boornazian's "Window Ledge." Not
to be ignored is bassist Jakob Dreyer.Many times, the abilities and nuances of a bassist can be overlooked
when the melody players shine so brightly. With Dreyer, his well-chosen note
choices and nuanced underpinning, create and canvas for Fadini and Boornazian
to paint upon, and Markham to interact with as the two create complexities that
are not overpowering, yet drive each tune to interest.
A group to watch, they already have many plusses to
attribute.I look forward to continuing
to watch their direction and growth in the jazz marketplace.Though many trailblazers in jazz seem to be
passing as of late, it is good to see the seeds of their trails being expanded
upon and continued by young groups such as this.
Track Listing: Introduction to a Dark and Stormy Day; It Was
a Dark and Stormy Day; Juno; No Thrills I; No Thrills II; Elegy for the Living
Dead; Window Ledge; Love in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction; Starting
Something; Mayall’s Object; All the Rest Is Boredom.
Personnel: Alessandro Fadini: piano; Josiah Boornazian: alto,
soprano saxophones, overdubs; Jakob Dreyer: bass; Luke Markham: drums.