The great Italian clarinetist/composer Gianluigi Trovesi goes full throttle with fellow countryman, accordionist Gianni Coscia on this delightful new ECM release titled, In Cerca Di Cibo. Trovesi is arguably one of the finest practitioners of this rather difficult to master woodwind instrument. A true stylist, the clarinetist possesses Herculean chops to coincide with his predilection for sharp-witted lyricism and radiant melodies. Here, Trovesi and the equally estimable Coscia perform a series of works based upon tuneful and memorable themes that might elicit imagery of Mediterranean sunsets or perhaps sipping espresso at a cafe in Rome as the musicians meld idyllic interludes with European folk and jazz-based motifs.
Trovesi compositions such as “Villanella” and “Minor Dance” present impressionistic canvasses of sound, chock full of sweet lyricism, peppery unison lines and playful choruses as Coscia exhibits his worldly skills as a shrewd accompanist and purveyor of sweeping rhythmic chord progressions. The clarinetist’s fiery ringing tone and emotive style of execution via piercing high notes, vibrato and inventive phraseology comes to the forefront on John Lewis’ classic, “Django” as Trovesi also interweaves whimsical Dixieland grooves with stately choruses along with Coscia’s fleet-fingered lines. Essentially, In Cerca Di Cibo intimates pizzazz, charm and good-natured fun, as these pros wouldn’t have it any other way. A magnificent exposition indeed!
* * * * ½ (out of * * * * *)
