NEXUS feat: Glenn Ferris & Enrico Rava (Splasc: Urban Shout

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: December 1, 2001

This new recording by the Italian band led by tenor saxophonist Daniele Cavallanti and drummer/percussionist Tiziano Tononi features renowned trumpeter Enrico Rava and the well-traveled American trombonist Glenn Ferris. No doubt, this consortium has witnessed a number of personnel changes over the years. Historically, Cavallanti and Tononi's dictum encompasses swiftly executed thematic passages and intense soloing. Essentially, the musicians convey those sentiments in altogether stirring fashion on this 2001 release.

The group launches the proceedings with a lengthy multipart suite titled "The Legend Of The Azure Wolf," which is a piece teeming with prolifically stated choruses, zestful rhythmic episodes and Charles Mingus style mini big-band arrangements. Throughout, the ensemble navigates a multitude of alternating themes amid climactic developments, free-jazz interplay, and New Orleans shuffle grooves.

Bassist Paolino Dalla Porta adds depth and counterpoint to the main theme as he harmonizes with the soloists during the bottom heavy arrangement on "Hornet." - This outfit's versatility and reverberating intensity comes to the forefront on the bold and brash Urban Shout. Recommended.

Splasc(H) Records

Track Listing: 1.The Legend Of The Azure Wolf 2.Winter Lullaby 3.Hornet 4.The 4 Elements Little Suite 5.Shades of Babalu

Personnel: Daniele Cavallanti: tenor sax

Style: Modern Jazz