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SAX FOUR FUN, GUARDA AVANTI, VELUT LUNA
03100.
Dolofunky
/ Guarda avanti, / ll senso di Smilla per le note /
Stort Blues /
Oasi, / Sax Four Fun / About you
/ Latin Street / Reactionary Tango / Hard Times / Abbamele / Mo Better
Blues. 55:19.
Stefano
Menato, ss, as; HanzTutzer, as; Fiorenzo Zeni, ts; Giorgio Berberi, bar
s; Pepito Ros, ss, as. 7/13-14/99, AbanoTerme, Italy.
(8)
sounds like another large group disc testimony to the considerable abilities
of the quintet known as Sax Four Fun. Throughout this marvelous disc they
employ big band horn counterpoint, while moving with a cheerful briskness
that makes the lack of a rhythm section unremarkable. Like the World Saxophone
Quartet, ROVA, and others, they seamlessly blend ensemble sections with
solo frameworks. Plus, they make full use of the possibilities of their
instruments: Giorgio Berberi’s baritone can be nicely percussive (as on
the title track), and the soprano players (Menato and Ros) are sure-handed
even in the highest registers.
The
program is pleasingly varied: the swingflavo red Dolofunky’ displays
utter command of the idiom, and the sweetly Romantic title track displays
shimmeringly Tchaikovskyan horn interplay. Oasi is a well-executed mournful
ballad; Sax Four Fun is uptempo and spotless; and Carla Bley’s Reactionary
Tango is brimming with the authentic flavor of the form.
On
Latin Street, however, the Latin works less well in translation, but it’s
another delightful track nonetheless. In fact, the astonishing precision
work on small slivers and sparkles of sound may be the high point of an
overall fine disc.
Robert
Spencer
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