Alberto Pinton Trio: All The Difference

Multi-instrumentalist Alberto Pinton might have been born in Italy, but more and more his music bears the signature of his home in Sweden. Or maybe an explanation is that this trio effort in May of 2020 was recorded during the global pandemic, when touring musicians were granted time for contemplation and introspection. In any case, All The Difference is an extremely thoughtful and, can we say, sympathetic recording?

The trio consists of drummer Konrad Agnas and bassist Vilhelm Bromander, both members of Pinton's Sestetto Contemporaneo, plus Agnas can be heard in Pinton's quartet Noi Siamo. Their previous digital release RÖD was self—released in 2018. Pinton composed all the music heard here, beginning and ending with "Never There." Bleak, yet achingly beautiful, the alpha and omega tracks paint a picture of the soul—searching nature of our COVID-19 times. Pinton has a way with the low end, especially via his bass clarinet and baritone saxophone, that reveal his soul. Then again, we may say the same about the Nordic temperament. "Never There Intro" segues into the aptly titled "Dark," with its trawling melody which sidesteps desolation with a promise of light. Such is the music here, often brooding but ultimately joyous. "Ytram" bounces with Eric Dolphy-like energy as does "Giants," which pulses with a jagged busyness. The music works well because of the balance between the trio. Pinton, Bromander and Agnas are locked into each piece here. "The Sentinel," and "Sevens," which Pinton hoists his flute, are excellent examples where this trio performs with one voice. If you close your eyes it is easy to imagine the close knit interactions of this band.