Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Enrico Rava Quartet with Gianluca Petrella: Wild Dance
Enrico Rava Quartet with Gianluca Petrella: Wild Dance
ByThe only other quartet member returning from Rava's previous small group album is double bassist Gabriele Evangelista. So it really is a "new" quartet, once again confirming the leader's instincts as a talent scout. How does he keep finding such talented Italian jazz musicians? Rava provides them a wide variety of material to work with. Almost half the tracks are new; the otherssuggested by band members, much to Rova's delightdate back to the 80s and 90s.
"Diva" (one of the older tunes) opens the album with typical ECM atmospherics. But then "Space Girl" continues with a vaguely martial rhythm, and a song-like melody that recalls the modern standard "Alfie" at first. "Infant" has a start-and-stop post-bop head that recalls Ornette Coleman (who is also referenced in "Cornette"): the solos take place over a surprisingly noisy open backing, reminding us of Rava's early avant-garde work. The band's collective improvisation goes into that territory as well, as does "Happy Shades."
The title tune is a memorable composition. But no one would identify it as "Wild Dance" in a blindfold test; it's much more reflective than wild. "F. Express" gives guitarist Diodati a chance to go fully electronic during the introduction, supplying spacey echo effects; but the tune itself has an old-school swing feel. Another example of the wide variety of moods here. Rava and Petrella are both in top form, and the youthful rhythm section is completely supportive, alternately brooding and fiery as the music demands.
Another very enjoyable recording from the ever-reliable trumpeter. Here's hoping for many more small group projects from him. This quartet certainly deserves another recording date.
Track Listing
Diva; Space Girl; Don’t; Infant; Sola; Not Funny; Wild Dance; F. Express; Cornette; Overboard; Happy Shades; Monkitos; Improvisation; Frogs.
Personnel
Enrico Rava
trumpetEnrico Rava: trumpet; Francesco Diodati: guitar; Gabriele Evangelista: double bass; Enrico Morello: drums; Gianluca Petrella: trombone.
Album information
Title: Wild Dance | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: ECM Records