Daniele Cavallanti Quartet: Holystone (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: August 5, 2002

More good news from the shores of Italy! As tenor saxophonist Daniele Cavallanti and his quartet engages in a blustery approach, awash with vigorous interplay amid the leader’s corpulent tone. The band wastes little time getting to the point during the opener titled, “Minutes.” Here, bassist Giovanni Maier’s dynamic, finger-snapping ostinatos serve as the foundation for Cavallanti, and trumpeter Luca Calabrese’s broiling, lyrically rich unison choruses. They also intertwine elements of 60’s “Blue Note Records,” type fare with investigative, free-flowing improvisational sequences. While the tenor saxophonist is liable to emit a few wailing, plaintive cries during various passages. On “Night Streets,” the musicians’ exhaustive phraseology is augmented by the rhythm section’s variable flows and swarming undercurrents. Whereas the title track is a complexly performed, groove-laden affair, complete with drummer U.T. Gandhi’s snappy straight-four grooves. The piece titled “Closing Time,” features a mood evoking hook while “Blues For J.H.,” is a boisterous free-bop affair. Moreover, the pristine sonic characteristics only enhance this top-notch effort! Strongly recommended!!

Splasc(H) Records

Cadence North American distribution

Track Listing: 1.Minutes 2.Urban Max 3.Night Streets 4.Holystone 5.Closing Time 6.Blues For J.H. 7.Peace 8.Hometown Blues

Personnel: Daniele Cavallanti: tenor sax

Style: Modern Jazz