Lorenzo Bellini: Source

Following his time in the U.S., Bellini then studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. His expanding vision led to the formation of a second ensemble. In addition to his Italian quartet, he also leads the London-based group Cloudy Peaks (with Kasper Rietkerk, Guy Dempsey and Luke McCarthy).

The album opens with the absorbing "Fragile Spirit," a composition that immediately establishes the quartet's invention and unpredictability. Bellini's repeating piano motif anchors the tune, while the ensemble's intense interplay creates a foundation for De Toni's soaring guitar work, all set against intricate time signature changes.

The title track, "Source," carries special significance, having earned Bellini first prize at Italy's Music4TheNextGeneration Contest in 2023 for best composition. This ambitious piece reimagines the second movement of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "String Quartet No. 1, Op. 11 (Andante Cantabile)," transforming the classical work with a contemporary jazz focus. While Tchaikovsky's original composition traces an emotional arc from melancholy to happiness, Bellini's quartet softens these extremes, focusing on renewal and rebirth.

Piano and guitar find ample room to explore on the gently swinging "Auntie Lu," a track that drifts along with ease and stands in contrast to the brisk, fast-paced energy of "Out of the Blue." This piece features shifting meters, layered melodies and modulations, with Bellini particularly excelling through this track, while Padoin and Dionisi provide thoughtful support.

The quartet loosens up on the free improvisation of "Odruis," embracing a spontaneous approach before closing the album with the hymn-like ballad "Offering," where gentle piano and fluid guitar lines create a reflective ending.

This is a high-quality session from Bellini's quartet, striking a fine balance between melodic structure and improvisational freedom. The compositions are energetic and thoughtfully constructed, often leading the listener in unexpected yet rewarding directions. At just 32 minutes, the album makes the most of its concise runtime, delivering an interesting and entertaining experience.

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