Home »
Jazz Articles » Album Review » Rosario Guiliani: Mr. Dodo
Rosario Guiliani: Mr. Dodo
Described as “one of Italy’s hidden treasures,” saxophonist Rosario Guiliani won’t remain a secret much longer if he continues to release albums like
Mr. Dodo. Guiliani’s facility on both the soprano and alto saxophones has led to comparisons with Eric Dolphy, Wayne Shorter, and others who were accomplished on both instruments. Measuring his playing against that of other hornmen with long established reputations would be unfair; Guiliani is a fully mature artist with a unique voice. His music doesn’t recall the influence of specific players insomuch as it speaks of a thorough understanding and appreciation of styles and genres. His up-tempo pieces—“Mr. Dodo,” “September,” and the bluesy “Dear Tucci” from last year’s excellent
luggage —are constructed with the wide melodic and harmonic intervals of bebop. He has a talent for composing ballads, and the slow pieces on Mr. Dodo—“”Francy’s Song” and “From The Ashes” are standouts—reveal a gift for romantic melancholy. (Guiliani’s interpretive skills are also heard to great affect: Michel Petrucciani’s introspective ballad “Home” is given a sensitive, deeply moving interpretation, the sax caressing the melody as one’s finger would trace the images on a family photograph.)
Once again pianist Pietro Lusso abets Guiliani, and the interplay between the two is nothing short of telepathic. Bassist Dario Rosciglione and Marcello Di Leonardo on drums round out the quartet. It’s Guiliani’s name on the cover but everyone is given plenty of opportunity to shine, and the musicians play with professionalism, taste and restraint. Highly recommended.
Track Listing
Mr. Dodo; September; Home; By Night Forever; The Blessing; Francy
Personnel
Rosario Giuliani- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone on
Album information
Title: Mr. Dodo
| Year Released: 2002
| Record Label: Dreyfus Records
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Support All About Jazz
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
Go Ad Free!
To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to
future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by
making a donation today.
