Alex Sabina

Big Band Italia: Blue Sun

by Nicholas F. Mondello
June 25, 2023

Big Band Italia's “Blue Sun" is intriguing listening. Saxophonist/co-leader Gianni Bardaro's tune could best be described as a modernised Oliver Nelson track exploding on steroids. Bruno Luise's arrangement is complex and challenging in terms of time signature and textures and it is performed superbly by this cadre of Italy's foremost jazz musicians--with guest artists trumpeter Randy Brecker and guitarist Ciro Manna lending fine solos. The tune's melody moves in sophisticated, angular intervals and dominating triplet figures. The ...