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Enrico Rava: Ragazzi Selvaggi

By Ernesto De Pascale
February 1, 1999
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Veteran trumpeter Enrico Rava dedicates Ragazzi Selvaggi to the mythic Beat Generation, the literature it inspired, the lifestyle it introduced and the movement it became. The sounds that Rava uses to evoke the Beat life are actually inspired by Bernard Hermann's orchestral work (which dominated the most popular films during the Beat era), as opposed to the late great composer's jazzier and edgier work.

But the combination of this with the improvised sound of Rava's jazz quartet, augmented by clarinetist Tony Scott (who Rava calls "one of the last few greats capable of giving us lost emotions"), makes Ragazzi Selvaggi a great work of serious art.

The Italian Rava's writing beautifully expresses the art of his musicianship and conveys the sense of freedom implied with the Beats. It's an engaging sound, giving the listener the freedom to delve within the music while Rava's orchestra swings wildly back and forth. Rava's writing also highlights the intense soulfulness in the reed work of Tony Scott, a most ideal partner and one who understands this music well.

Ragazzi Selvaggi offers a wider aspect of Rava's musicianship and is an album not to be missed. Truly, one of the most important release on the today's European jazz scene.

Songs:1. Wild Dance; 2. Il Destino; 3. L'Amicizia; 4. Il Sesso; 5. Il Viaggio; 6. La noia delle donne; 7. L'esibizione degli uomini; 8. Il Destino 2; 9. Il Pranzo dei Ricchi; 10. Animali della Notte; 11. La solitudine; 12. L'incubo; 13. Il Poeta; 14. Il Successo.

Personnel

Enrico Rava

trumpet

Album information

Title: Ragazzi Selvaggi | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Ricordi

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