Enrico Bergamini: Out of Place

Italian born saxophonist and composer Enrico Bergamini where he started playing saxophone at the age of eight. He joined the Luca Marenzio Conservatory of Brescia in 2007, graduating in Classical Performance in 2011. In 2008 Bergamini was the featured alto soloist with the European Union Youth Orchestra playing concerts across Europe. In 2011 he commenced studies at Berklee College Of Music, graduating in Jazz Composition in May 2014. Following stints as an in-demand arranger, transcriber and bandleader, he performed at the 2014 Montreux Jazz Festival. By 2016 Bergamini had moved to New York City to further his burgeoning musical career and this, his exuberant debut album is the result.

With its breezy feel, the thematically convoluted and memorable "Feed The Lyons" is dedicated to Clay Lyons who Bergamini rates as the best saxophonist in NYC and who turns in a meaty C melody saxophone solo here. There's also the sole opportunity on this recording to hear a lithe and fluid solo from guitarist Juan Dhas. "Ivory Duke" is a glorious, funk-infused paean to the late George Duke and jointly redolent of the memory of Duke and the Brecker Brothers in their respective heydays. Eitan Kenner's effervescent Fender Rhodes outing is appropriately Dukeian too. The curiously-titled "Bahp!" is overtly Bebop in style with an irresistible bouncy head and a slightly tongue in cheek Mingusian feel. Jimmy O'Connell leads with a lengthy and highly engaging trombone solo.

The ebullient mood changes with the more reflective "She Was Born From Sand" which is undoubtedly enhanced by Leandro Pellegrino's contribution on guitar. With its heavy middle riff feel, "Convergence" is reminiscent of some of Billy Cobham's early fusion records and the pastoral, aptly named title track represents the only duo number on the album, Dylan George offering some lustrous, sensitive piano. The closer, "Virtual Proof" is underpinned by Mark Minoogian's killer electric bass line and a solid ensemble arrangement. This digital-only album benefits from plenty of catchy hook lines, consistently inventive compositions and superb execution throughout.