Ivan Valentini: Camera Funky

Modena, Italy-based saxophonist Ivan Valentini's quintet traverses a wide range of styles on Camera Funky, from African-oriented themes to funk, rock, free and contemporary straight-ahead jazz. As Valentini wrote and arranged every number, the album's charisma rests for the most part squarely on his shoulders.

Are those shoulders strong enough to carry the load? That depends largely on the listener's point of view, which should be informed by a number of factors. First, Valentini and his teammates are splendid musicians who have no problem surmounting diverse and difficult themes. Second, Valentini's music is indeed challenging, requiring every member of the group to be aware and alert at every moment. Third, Valentini's approach is off-center and may seem strange or even out of sync to unaccustomed ears. And last, is Valentini's music interesting enough to seize and hold one's attention?

As each of those points is valid, it remains for the listener to judge.

Valentini shares the front line with trumpeter Matteo Pontegavelli; electric guitarist Luca Perciballi, electric bassist Alessio Bruno and drummer Nelide Bandello comprise the rhythm section. They acquit themselves well, unraveling music that leaves them scant breathing room, from the fast-moving opener, "Fu-Gu," through the last notes of the impassioned finale, "Soul Pain, Soul Gain." Everyone goes over the top on the raucous "Rabbit in a Hat," which leads to the session's most exploratory number, the polymetric "Overload," which begins routinely enough before heading for freer and less familiar realms.

The funk-centered "Acque Dense" is next, followed by "Charnold," the album's most jazz-oriented theme, the dynamic "Bishop's Move," and the time-twisting "Orbit Ten." Camera Funky may not assuage everyone's appetite but has much to offer those whose hearts and minds are accustomed to jazz that packs a diverse punch while not always following an orderly, established path.