Big Band Italia: Blue Sun

Big Band Italia's "Blue Sun" is intriguing listening. Saxophonist/co-leader Gianni Bardaro's tune could best be described as a modernised Oliver Nelson track exploding on steroids. Bruno Luise's arrangement is complex and challenging in terms of time signature and textures and it is performed superbly by this cadre of Italy's foremost jazz musicians—with guest artists trumpeter Randy Brecker and guitarist Ciro Manna lending fine solos.

The tune's melody moves in sophisticated, angular intervals and dominating triplet figures. The ensemble, recorded remotely, rises to the occasion and is fiercely focused, delivering great momentum. Lead trumpet Andrea Tofanelli and Bardaro combine and drive this Ferrari with dominating intensity. All the ensemble's sections shine with razor precision.

Brecker gets the first solo and buys into the challenging format with his usual flair. Manna later takes off on an exciting foray. Soloing over complex rhythmic foundations such as these is extremely challenging, but both soloists seem to thrive under that constraint. The brilliant rhythm section is the cornerstone of the track, dead-on perfect throughout.