BSDE 4tet: Live at Parma Jazz Frontiere

The 2022 release of Elevating Jazz Music Vol. 1 (GleAM Records) marked the debut of the BSDE 4tet, showcasing compositions from Chicago-born, Bologna-based saxophonist Daniele Nasi. Since this debut, Nasi has established himself as a compelling voice on the European jazz scene, with his artistic evolution culminating in winning the prestigious Premio Internazionale Giorgio Gaslini in 2023, an award recognizing excellence in both performance and composition.

Newly invigorated, the band toured Germany, Switzerland and Italy. One performance at the 28th Parma Jazz Frontiere Festival was recorded, forming the basis of their second album, Live at Parma Jazz Frontiere. Nasi, who has studied with Jon Irabagon, Melissa Aldana and David Binney, is joined in the quartet by pianist Jung Taek Hwang, bassist Giacomo Marzi and new drummer Mattia Galeotti.

Nasi draws inspiration from political and social issues, particularly evident in "Drowning in Guilt," a powerful composition addressing the perils faced by migrants crossing the central Mediterranean. The piece's urgent momentum builds through extended, inventive solos by composer Nasi on saxophone and Hwang's piano while Marzi's dynamic bass work drives the rhythmic intensity. At its emotional peak, the composition incorporates an actual distress call from a tragic 2013 incident, when Italian naval authorities' inaction led to the deaths of 268 refugees. This haunting audio document serves as a pivot point, after which the ensemble channels their response through intense collective improvisation, the raw emotions of the historical moment flowing into their spontaneous musical dialogue.

"Callin'" draws influence from American multi-instrumentalist Colin Stetson, known for his work with Tom Waits and Arcade Fire. Nasi's solo saxophone motif weaves through the composition, giving way to the dynamic interplay between Hwang and Marzi before Galeotti's inspired drumming takes center stage. "Waltz for Palestine," a 15-minute hymn for peace, opens with a plaintive folk-influenced saxophone melody. The piece evolves through a contemplative piano trio section before Nasi's swirling saxophone returns, culminating in Galeotti's powerful, textured drum work. In "7 is the New 5," which echoes the spirit of Charles Mingus, the innovative Nasi explores rhythmic dance patterns before transitioning to Marzi's compelling bass solo.

Complementing the selections from their debut release are two new compositions. In "Oddly Enough," Hwang's melodic, pulsing piano underpins Nasi's lyrical saxophone theme, which unfolds into an extended exploration before Hwang returns to close the piece with an eloquent solo. The second addition, "Nord Scream 2, South Screams Too," serves as a hymn for peace in Ukraine. The track opens with arco bass and piano creating a sparse landscape beneath melancholy saxophone phrases. The track builds tempo with heavy left-hand piano chords and a dramatic saxophone motif, both overstaying their welcome before moving into a section of free, dissonant improvisation.

This is GleAM's first live recording and maintains its high-quality recording characteristics, capturing every nuance of Nasi's expressive saxophone work. Across six tracks spanning 70 minutes, the quartet develops themes inviting deeper reflection on pressing social issues. The ensemble's chemistry shines through, Marzi's sinuous bass lines and Galeotti's responsive drumming match well with Hwang's elegant piano work. Nasi's compositions skillfully blend contemporary jazz vocabulary with subtle Middle Eastern and Balkan folk influences, though the open-ended compositional approach occasionally allows some passages to lose focus. Nevertheless, the quartet's artistic vision remains clear, demonstrating their ability to transform social consciousness into compelling musical dialogue.

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