Joe Giardullo: Language Of Swans (2003)

Richton Guy Thomas

Recent articles (8 total)

Published: February 13, 2003

Language Of Swans represents multi instrumentalist/composer Joe Giardullo's second release on Drimala Records. The first, Shadow And Light, was made with Joe McPhee on September 11, 2001.

Language of Swans has a very different feel than the sheer intensity of Giardullo's first disc. It offers an opportunity to hear Joe Giardullo’s whole musical world, with his atonal palette spanning a range of soaring, beautiful, complex, shearing notes.

The opening tune, “Rivers,” is reminiscent of an early Gary Bartz on soprano saxophone. On this track bassist Chris Sullivan does an excellent task of feeding the pulse. Two numbers later, “Early Spring” showcases Giardullo's flute playing. The interplay between Sullivan's bass and his flute strongly resembles the Ron Carter / Eric Dolphy mode. Michael Thompson handles the drumming with an approach that’s not overbearing but still keeps the other two musicians on their pace.

“A Tear For The Missing” exemplifies an established improviser painting the melody with strokes as simple as Jackson Pollack. Take the time to locate Joe Giardullo's record; it's worth a careful listen.

Track Listing: I

Personnel: Joe Giardullo - alto & soprano saxophone; Chris Sullivan - bass; Michael - Thompson drums, box drum, bells, piano.

Record Label: Drimala Records
Style: Modern Jazz