Gianni Savelli
27/06/2024
Gianni Savelli, a jazz musician known for his versatility, has left his mark not only in the jazz scene but also in pop music productions, film music, and music for theater. His ensemble, Gianni Savelli Media Res, has been a significant presence since 2000.
Now, this versatile group is unveiling its fourth album, Alisei. The title, which translates to 'trade winds' in Italian, is a nod to the winds that guided sailors in the 16th century, possibly a comparison to the music's exploratory nature.
The album opens with an 'underwater melody' (Melodia sottomarina), a tranquil piece performed in a quintet format. This calm presentation style is a common thread that runs through all six pieces. The jazz style, while not heavily influenced by the American direction, bears a distinct European touch, reminiscent of the serene sounds from Scandinavia.
The rhythm section sensitively accompanies the three soloists on saxophone, trumpet, and piano. The use of the electric bass likely influences the music so that it swings less and instead incorporates elements of jazz-rock and fusion.
In the title song, the sound strongly reminds me of a fellow musician, Jaco Pastorius.
The music exhibits strong imagery, involuntarily drawing the listener into a world where the listener tries to imagine what is being expressed.
To return to the opening song, drummer Alessandro Marzi is very active here, supported by the grounding bass play. Over this, the wind instruments rise and create melodic sequences, filled out by the creative piano playing.
Tracks 2 and 4 see an extended lineup, with the orchestra consisting of seventeen wind instruments, see the lineup. The music tends to lean quite strongly towards film music. At times, it also reminds me of the collaboration between Miles Davis and the great arranger Gil Evans. These two songs exhibit a high degree of dynamics and variety in the arrangements. This is especially evident in the album's longest song, "Delicati effendi (in memoria di Aldo Bassi)," a tribute to the Italian jazz trumpeter Aldo Bassi, who passed away in 2020 and was once a founding member of Media Res. Current band member Fulvio Sigurtà also plays a very spirited trumpet solo here from minute 3:55 to about minute 7:36, showcasing various facets of his skill. All the songs share the trait that Gianni Savelli, as the namesake and bandleader, does not play himself into the foreground very much but rather subordinates himself to the overall sound.
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P.IVA IT13051611005