Jazz
Recorded 2-4 March and 20-21 October 1998 at Sorriso Studios, Bari, Italy.
Tracks 1-10:
Sud Percussion Group [Vincenzo Mazzone; Antonio Di Lorenzo; Lello Patruno; Giuseppe Tria; Giuseppe Berardi; Maurizio De Robertis; Ivan Mancinelli; Domenico De Palma; Simone Salvatorelli]
Track 11:
Pino Minafra's Sud Ensemble [Pino Minafra, trumpet; Daniele Patumi, bass; Carlo Actis Dato, bass clarinet, saxophones; Giorgio Occhipinti, piano; Sandro Satta, alto saxophone; Vincenzo Mazzone, drums; Lauro Rossi, trombone]
Front cover photograph by Patrizia Mazzilli; artwork by Lora Denis.
Apart from playing solo drums, the drummer with the Italian Instabile Orchestra Vincenzo Mazzone, employed two large groups to create this CD: Pino Minafra's "Sud Ensemble" and "Sud Percussion Group" consisting of nine musicians. Vincenzo's vision is the birth of the planets and of human beings. With the help of his fellow drummers he creates a fantastic percussive cosmology.
This is actually three recordings in one: the first, taking up almost half the album, is a composition for nine percussionists, musically describing the creation of the planets and of human life. The piece is divided into ten short parts (most less than two minutes) in which the musicians, led by Mazzone, produce varying colors and shades. Reminiscent of a somewhat similar less-than-compelling effort for big band by George Russell, Mazzone's effort is a serious attempt to utilize a limited palette for a glorious concept. The second part of the CD is a two-part suite in which trumpeter Pino Minafra's seven piece "Sud Ensemble" is added. The extended, exhilarating solos by Minafra, trombonist Lauro Rossi, and either Carlo Actis Dato or Sandro Satta on saxophone are highlights. The album closes with four short solo numbers (two of which are under two minutes), including a piece in 12/4 dedicated to Max Roach. While there are special moments throughout, much of this recording is likely to appeal almost entirely to those particularly attracted to extended works for solo and group percussion. ~ Steve Loewy, All Music Guide |
