Alessandro Di Liberto: Punti Di Vista

The island of Sardinia can be found west of the Italian peninsula. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the 20 regions that make up Italy. It has a strong affinity for jazz, with Sardinian native Paolo Fresu founding the annual Time in Jazz festival. It is also home to pianist and composer Alessandro Di Liberto, who channels his love for Sardinia into his album Punti Di Vista (Points of View). He takes us on a tour of the island using its natural beauty in various locations as the inspiration for his ten compositions.

After honing his craft in Italy and the Netherlands, Di Liberto has collaborated and recorded with renowned jazz artists including Joe Locke, Darryl Hall, Peter Erskine and Jasper Somsen. The musical journey on Punti di Vista begins with "Vento di Mare," where his refined touch and graceful phrasing are immediately on display. Joined by alto saxophonist Laura J Marras (who delivers an inspired performance throughout), the two weave melodic solos, while bassist Sebastiano Dessanay and drummer Roberto Migoni provide a creative foundation with their inventive rhythmic interplay as the quartet delivers a flowing and uplifting opening track.

The journey continues with "Spiaggia di Riso," with Marras leading the melody. Alongside the piano, Di Liberto introduces synth pedals, enriching the sound and adding a subtle 1990s smooth jazz vibe to some tracks. Marras' lyrical saxophone is also a highlight in "Verde e Azzuro," a gentle piece inspired by the colors of the seas surrounding the island. "L'Orologio del Tempo" stands out with its strong rhythmic drive, providing a strong foundation for flowing saxophone and piano improvisations.

Dessanay's lithe bass shines on the slowly evolving "Pan di Zucchero." He shifts gears on "Sulla Torre" as he and Migoni propel a medium swing groove and Di Liberto's fluid improvisation carries bluesy undertones. Among the standout tracks, the fast tempo of "Riviera di Corallo" is immediately uplifting with its catchy melody and simple chords, setting the stage for Marras' vibrant sax. "L'Isola dei Giganti" offers a more complex experience with shifts of pace and rhythm with Di Liberto at his improvisational best.

Di Liberto's open, spacious compositions, combined with his remarkable touch and cultured improvisational abilities, create an album that rewards repeated listening. Drawing inspiration from Sardinia's beaches, rocky coasts and mountains, he evokes a rich tapestry of moods, melodies and rhythms. He finds the perfect collaborators in Marras, Dessanay and Migoni, whose consistently creative contributions enrich this musical journey.