Jazz Chromatic Ensemble: Skydreams

This ambitious 1995 release features some of Italy's more adventurous jazz modernists along with the somewhat surprising guest appearance of American rock & roll legend Robbie Robertson who provides a spoken word narrative on one piece. Essentially, this large ensemble pursues feisty, big-band-style horn charts in conjunction with pumping rhythms, variegated textures, and complex time signatures to coincide with off-kilter themes, dashes of electronica, playful pandemonium, and electric guitarist Roberto Cecchetto's psychedelic persuasions. Pianist Umberto Petrin's minimalist composition titled "Ritratto" boasts a memorably melodic and softly stated hook atop a subtly climactic horn arrangement, whereas the band serves up punishing choruses along with blues-based lines and ardent soloing on the enticingly provocative piece "New York Dreamer." However, Robbie Robertson's austere narrative provides a paradoxical contrast to the band's radiant horns and spirited proclamations on the composition "Moosonee Shout of Rage." "Skydreams" is a thoroughly enterprising effort as the 30-minute title track is all about fragmented sequences stitched together and performed at an altogether dizzying pace. Overall, the band does sustain a high degree of interest as they incorporate vigorous soloing, lush melodies, and affable motifs into their cleverly constructed and expertly executed repertoire.
--Glenn Astarita, All-Music Guide

Tracks

1. Skydreams: Skydream #1/Skydream #2... (Petrin/Tarocchi)
2. Ritratto (Petrin)
3. New York Dresser (Cavallanti)
4. Music for 13 Musicians: Introduction... (Tononi)
5. Moosonee Shout of Rage (Tarocchi)
6. Maniere de Commencement (Satie)

Credits

• Robbie Robertson  -  Vocals
• Tiziano Tononi  -  Percussion, Arranger, Drums
• Marti Robertson  -  Engineer
• Roberto Cecchetto  -  Guitar
• Giovanni Maier  -  Double Bass
• Renato Geremia  -  Sax (Alto)
• Lauro Rossi  -  Trombone
• Daniele Cavallanti  -  Arranger, Sax (Baritone), Producer
• Umberto Petrin  -  Piano, Vocals
• Ferdinando Arnò  -  Engineer
• Paolo Russo  -  Trumpet
• Marcello Noia  -  Clarinet, Sax (Alto)

Jazz Chromatic Ensemble - Skydreams - 1995 - CD - Splasc(h) 4732