Gerlando Gatto - A proposito di Jazz

24/09/2024

I had the privilege of previewing this album in a studio equipped with an extraordinary sound system, which revealed every subtle tonal nuance of the performance. Yet, I must say that even when I later listened to it on a far less sophisticated setup—my own—the CD retained all the magic and allure I had initially perceived.

This is a testament to the beauty of the compositions—all six written by Savelli himself—and to the remarkable musicianship of the ensemble. The album features Savelli’s long-standing quintet, with Savelli on tenor saxophone, Fulvio Sigurtà on trumpet, Enrico Zanisi on piano, Luca Pirozzi on electric bass, and Alessandro Marzi on drums and percussion. Their sound is further enriched in several tracks by adding a seventeen-piece big band, bringing depth and grandeur to the arrangements.

This fourth album in the Gianni Savelli Media Res project bears the evocative title Alisei. The Alisei—or trade winds—are those gentle yet persistent winds that blow at an average speed of 16 knots and played a crucial role in the great voyages of exploration during the 16th century.

Drawing inspiration from these winds, Savelli envisions music that gathers various energies like the currents of air and propels them in a chosen direction. This marks the beginning of an imaginary journey, inviting the listener to explore new soundscapes and uncharted territories, where the power of music sparks boundless imagination.