Valerio Cosi / Enzo Franchini: Conference Of The Aquarians (2008)

Mark Corroto

Senior Contributor since 1999

Mark misses his large dog Louie, but endeavors daily to find and listen to new and interesting sounds.

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Published: February 20, 2009

Valerio Cosi / Enzo Franchini: Conference Of The Aquarians

Did John Coltrane revisit his minor hit "My Favorite Things" after he met Rashied Ali? If he had, the Rodgers and Hammerstein song might have sounded a bit like saxophonist Valerio Cosi and drummer Enzo Franchini's version, re-titled "Part Seven" on the duo's Conference Of The Aquarians.

The pair recorded this and eight other tracks in July, 2006 in Lecce, Italy, for a small Italian label and it quickly sold out. Thankfully, it has been released anew by the US label Last Visible Dog.

Their duo work and subsequent overdubs register a healthy perspective on music making. Part free/part manipulation, it carries itself as intelligent experimentation. "Part Seven" begins with static distortion and frenetic drumming. As the melody takes shape so does a radio play. The intensity—call it noise—builds into a swirl of distortion that would make Thurston Moore quite proud.

The purpose here is not just the cacophony. In fact, a lack of discord prevails throughout. The pair has melded free music and thoughtful compositions; electronics added to the very simple and charming guitar melody of "Part Five" creates space age folk. The two stretch out a bit on the irresistible overdubbed groove of the opening "Part One" and the sitar-backed dreams of "Part Three," followed by some saxophone/drums call-and-response "Part Four," and the obligatory noise track, "Part Five."

This hidden gem, now available Stateside is indeed a vital find.

Track Listing: Part One; Part Two; Part Three; Part Four; (Interference); Part Five; Part Six; Part Seven; Conclusion.

Personnel: Enzo Franchini: drums, cymbal, percussion, vibes; Valerio Cosi: alto saxophone, piano, double-bass, sitar, synthesizer, electronics, electric guitar, radio manipulations.

Record Label: Last Visible Dog
Style: Modern Jazz