Alessandro Sgobbio: Piano 2

Italian pianist Alessandro Sgobbio strikes a pensive pose on the cover of his solo album Piano 2, presenting an introductory visual of his art. The pianist's photo portrait on his previous 2022 AMP Music & Recording release Piano (review here) did the same—a serious expression conveying an inward mood, indicating a measured and reflective approach to the instrument. On both recordings, that is what we get. The difference: Piano Music is piano only; Piano 2 features the addition of live electronics.

Sgobbio's sound gives off a spiritual vibe. This is not surprising for solo piano outings. The surprise is that he maintains this sense of the natural world and things beyond our understanding with the addition of electronics. While some electro-acoustic piano players go for the subtle, almost subliminal touch with this approach, Sgobbio fully integrates the plugging in, making electricity an equal partner with the piano. Almost.

There are eerie backdrops, soft warbles, harmonic pulses, and sizzles that sound as if they are giving off sparks, all done with a complementary touch that does not take away from the organic beauty of Sgobbio's piano. Indeed, it enhances it.

In addition to the spiritual element of Sgobbio's music—"Modular Circle, "The River"—we also encounter dedications to some of his favorite cities and European locales, via the Old-World charm of the piano paired with the summoning of the New World electro-ambiance.

Bringing electronics into what is normally an acoustic setting is not new, but it is rarely done this well, augmenting the beauty and spirituality of Sgobbio's piano art.