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Roberto Magris Europlane: Il Bello Del Jazz

By Jerry D'Souza
August 12, 2006
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Roberto Magris Europlane: Il Bello Del Jazz

The Roberto Magris Europlane has had an evolving lineup that shifts from quartet to orchestra. On Il Bello Del Jazz, Magris settles for a quintet featuring Herb Geller. The leader is confident in several settings, from acid jazz to funk, free jazz and even rap. Here, he settles into the mainstream with what he calls a tribute to the form, exploring tunes that are comfortable in the niche. In addition to two contributions from Geller, some standards make for a compact portrait.

The music makes an immediate statement with the deliberately paced Magris tune "No Sadness. Each note from Magris is a crystalline statement that goes on to invoke a lithe swing from the liquid tones of Geller's alto saxophone. Geller is an articulate player, compact in his movements yet deeply emotive. Magris augments that spirit through fluid lines. The final impact comes from Darko Jurkovic, whose guitar sings eloquently with every phrase.

The musicians bop along when they pick up the heady "Parker's Pen. Jurkovic scoots off, laying a deep groove pushed on by Gabriele Centis on drums. The tune sparkles as Heller swoops in with looping notes. Magris has the final say, his dynamic extrapolations abetted by a sure left hand. The softer tones of "Ah Moore offer another stream for the band. Magris plays with a sure attitude, essaying the melody with delicacy. He sets the mood, and Geller adds the topping, his alto shaping the lines by changing direction and emphasis. Benny Carter's "Key Largo swings. It's given its head by Geller, but Magris sweeps into the rhythm and romps along on a tide of colour that enlarges the tune's scope.

Il Bello Del Jazz is a very enjoyable recording from a top-notch group.

Personnel

Roberto Magris

piano

Album information

Title: Il Bello del Jazz feat. Herb Geller | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Soul Note

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