Francesco Guerri: Su Mimmi Non Si Spara!

The work of Italian cellist Francesco Guerri is wholly inclusive. It presents with both gravitas and playfulness, a classically-influenced standing and free- mindedness, and a general sense of wonder connected to the sculpting of sound. A solo recital set apart by an embrace of extended techniques, artful preparations and personalized tunings, Su Mimmi Non Si Spara! is a statement that moves beyond music, embracing visions of possibility in its every expression.

Guerri opens this expansive offering with the brief "Lucy," a sobering overture shaped by mournful arco tidings. There's nothing out of the ordinary in that introduction, but the mood and manner of engagement shifts toward more experimental realms on what follows. The title track, moving from a capering entrance to slanted groove play to found sounds and back again, makes a deep impression. Delivering a gray-streaked jig, masterfully toying with rhythm and meter, and even conjuring thoughts of a warped didgeridoo, Guerri makes his mark while addressing the disparate nature between love and violence. The brief "Ciacco" moves in another direction, with hints of paranoia in its wide angles. "Your Beginning," employing an alternate tuning, opens in zen mode before transitioning to sawing statements and galloping lines. And "Paper" embraces a percussive mindset as Guerri experiments with the use of metal curtain clips and, yes, paper on his strings.

The cellist continues to probe and redefine himself, using each subsequent work as an opportunity to forge a new frontier . "Medusa'"s first act plays on a trance angle, toying with fundamentals and harmonics while embracing tedious rhythm. "AFK" is haunted by ghosts in the machine, delivering two minutes of scampering psychosis. And electronics amplify the austere atmosphere that Guerri crafts on the closing "My [Ha]nd." Influenced by everything from Bach to Dante's Divine Comedy to water gun fights between children, the music presented on Su Mimmi Non Si Spara! knows few limits.