Joelle Leandre & Sebi Tramontana: E'vero

One of the premier arco-bassists of our time, Joelle Leandre along with the mega-talented trombonist from the Italian Instabile Orchestra, Sebi Tramontana perform as a duo on the adventurous and at times breathtaking E’vero. A total of 9 pieces titled, E’Vero numbers 1-9 were recorded live at Lukaskirche, Munich July 21, 1997 as E’vero implies – something to the effect of nine individuals each with distinct personalities coexisting in harmonious fashion. On “E’vero” # 2, Ms. Leandre plucks and bends her bass strings to convey muted tones which often underscore Tramontana’s muted wah-wah trombone phraseology. While the themes and motifs may appear somewhat austere at times, deep beneath the covers there is quite a bit happening which becomes more evident on the 2nd or 3rd spin. Tramontana is a true virtuoso who “lives” his instrument similar to a vocalist who sings as if he or she has actually experienced the message they attempt to convey through the passionate rendering of lyrics. At times the mood seems casual yet the music is highly conversational and thoroughly communicative which often suggests otherworldly dialogue of a different dimension, perhaps another time or place? Ms Leandre’s bowed bass performance on E’vero # 5 sounds mechanical like gears turning as the duo sound somewhat ominous and daunting on E’vero #6, producing a “relaxed tension”. A sense of adventure prevails yet the interaction and execution is beyond words. E’vero is unique even by free-jazz or improvisational standards. The music is in the ear of the beholder therefore, interpretations are sure to vary as Leandre and Tramontana perform at a highly technical level yet the main thing here, is how they actuate these compositions into some sort of real-life experience. - As the experiences are significant and all telling! * * * *

Joelle Leandre: Contrabass: Sebi Tramontana; Trombone

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