Boris Savoldelli: Biocosmopolitan

The polyphonic vocal expertise of Italian artist Boris Savoldelli alters implications for the proverbial one-man band format. Although he receives assistance from revered session bassist/solo artist Jimmy Haslip, and some additional help from trumpeter Paolo Fresu—both appearing on selected tracks—it is Savoldelli who propagates the mesmeric performances.

The vocalist uses electronics and voice overlays, and abides by a strong rhythmic process throughout Biocosmopolitan's sixteen pieces, spanning one to four minutes in length. He also benefits by possessing near perfect diction and a resonating pop-rock voice. Essentially, the album contains a succession of amalgamated themes and novel approaches.

Less experimental from an avant-garde perspective than Protoplasmic (MoonJune, 2009) (with guitar pioneer Elliott Sharp), Biocosmopolitan features numerous pop sensibilities via the artist's choral soundscapes, executed in various registers. Savoldelli fuses cheery and snappy grooves into the mix, and also inserts cartoonish sounds and lyric-less voice arrangements into memorable hooks.

Haslip's impossibly fast bass runs on the title track anchor a soul-stirring vibe, while "Kerouac in New York City" is given jazzy overtones with Fresu's bronze-toned lines. Savoldelli articulates an imaginary world that intimates some sort of techno-heavy dreamland, but tempers the program during "Biocosmo," featuring his echoing acoustic piano work and sensitive balladry, while invoking a sense of loneliness.

The album includes two bonus tracks, one of which is a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Crosstown Traffic." Salvoldelli closes out the proceedings with "Closin' Theme," with an English narration of the album credits atop a '50s-like doo-wop motif. Multifaceted and immensely talented, Salvoldelli elevates the singer-songwriter model into a nouveau cosmic delight.