Home » Jazz Articles » Stefano Di Battista: Round About Roma

Stefano Di Battista: Round About Roma

By Jim Santella
February 2, 2003
Sign in to view read count

Stefano Di Battista sparkles with his quartet, a full symphonic orchestra, and a lush string ensemble on this new release. Capturing the romantic spirit of an exotic Roman holiday, the saxophonist’s modern mainstream creations inch forward gracefully. Di Battista has discovered a great way to describe old Rome without showing its age. Tradition and modernity have a common thread – lyricism – upon which the saxophonist relies. Thus, Di Battista’s modern mainstream improvisations pay homage to his birthplace while serving as a foundation for his creative serenades.

Like many works of opera and folk themes, the session emphasizes melody with a natural, built-in kind of sorrow. The tradition demands some of that. After all, marching bands and conga lines weren’t exactly expected. Rome must surely, however, have its lighter, less bravado side. Where is the jubilation? Where are the festivals? Di Battista has concerned himself this time out with solemn procession and blues-laden ballads. It works, of course. The artist has captured ancient Rome in the wee hours of the morning when the nightclub patrons and performers are all half-asleep. This is one aspect of modern jazz. Then he ends the session with a majestic gladiator march intended to take over the world. Saxophonist Di Battista does have the talent needed to take over. With his fourth album as leader, however, he’s elected to take over from Kenny G instead of from Cannonball A. or Art P.

Track Listing

1. Anastasia 2. Amoroso 3. Tartagura 4. Romeo & Juliet 5. The Other Side 6. Arabesque 7. Roma Antica 8. The Next Nine Hours

Personnel

Stefano di Battista- Alto and Soprano Saxophone; Eric Legnini- Piano; Rosario Bonaccorso- Acoustic Bass; Andre Cecarrelli- Drums

Album information

Title: Round About Roma | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Blue Note Records

Post a comment about this album

FOR THE LOVE OF 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 create 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.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve 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.