Being a huge fan of Roman composer Stefano Panunzi as well as the band Fjieri, an offshoot solo album by one of the main collaborators is always most welcome on my sound system (a vintage 70s Bang & Olufsen, FYI). Nicola is a talented composer, guitarist and bassist, who has taken the step to release his debut offering, bringing along many past contributors who have played with the above two protagonists. Having a talented vocalist in Grice Peters (whose records are equally compelling) elevates even further this incredibly smooth and mellifluous release, an ‘after midnight big city’ atmosphere that fancifully explains both the cover art as well as the album title.
The mood is perfectly encompassed on the luxurious opener “Running Life”, featuring Luca Calabrese’s ethereal trumpet gently blaring through the shimmer, the shift to a pulsating groove led by Cristiano Roversi and the tense drumming of Luca Fareri, Giacomo Anselmi’s sizzling guitar swaths weaving with Nicola’s gallant riffs. The ebb and flow of city life at night comes across perfectly depicted, a sonic canvas of glorious adventure, strangers meeting by design, and looking for new connections.
The title track keeps the atmosphere intact, Colin Edwin’s ruminant bass swooning elegantly, as Grice’s tired and smoky voice exudes exasperation, titillation, a yearning for some unseen pearl within the oyster. The drum work from Daniele Iacono, is chaotic yet unflinching, keeping focused on the tempestuous search, deliverance in the form of fearless guitar rants from Nicola and Grice. There is a vintage Gino Vannelli feel, what with the passionate vocals, the jazzy presentation and the slick instrumental frills.
Nicola takes over the rubbery bass duties in the celebrated style of the sadly departed Mick Karn on “Inside Your Thoughts”, (being a Lori brothers’ speciality) showcasing the magical fretless qualities that can lead any composition in my book! E-bow guitar solo from Anselmi and Fareri’s athletic percolations, are all the garnishes needed to adorn the voluptuous keyboard sequences. Lavish and persuasive, this is psychedelic jazz-rock at its finest.
Time perhaps for some cosmic contemplation on the celestial “A Life in this Heaven”, an occasion to highlight Grice’s graceful David Sylvian-esque a ‘thousand tears’ vocal, Nicola Alesini’s saxophone doing the rounds, and an overall supple arrangement that has only seduction and passion as conduits to the soul. The velvety touch is maintained on the subdued “Helios”, acoustic guitars and ornate piano (Robert Nissim) set the groundwork for an arching bass guitar motif, dense atmospherics in the intensely romantic vicinity, in the method of a Patrick O’Hearn, a completely healing slice of beauty.
Change of pace on the redolent “A Night in Istanbul”, a manifesto of exotic exploration for Luca Calabrese and his mystic trumpet, a steady Orient Express rhythmic engine with Edwin’s serpentine bass forging the way. Naturally, percussives rule the arrangement, spicing up a rich tapestry of intricate cadenced sonorities, enticing and inducing one into deferent reverie. A quick leap back home to nearby Italy on “Strana La Vita”, with native singing by Andrea Chimenti, a saxophone and guitar duet underpinned by Roversi’s eloquent bass looping, and a Danilo Cherni solo piano finale.
“Its Looking Like April” features vocalist Seneca Blakely-Armitage, an inclement and moody exhibition, aided by Robbie Aceto ‘s peaceful piano, and a laid-back pulse, illustrating the winter exit and the torpor of impending spring. Lori’s wobbly bass doing another tour de force in the dewy grass undergrowth.
Stefano Panunzi handles the piano with Grice reestablishing contact with the microphone, as well as his guitar, on a track that has a latter-day Roxy Music feel, smooth as silk, satin felt and velvet (take your pick or the entire package deal). Solid Iacono drum support, Alesini on the sax blowout, and Grice doing a masterful job. Nicola shines on the bass and electric guitars. “The Psychology of Persuasion” surely convinced me as a tremendous track among an entire list of cracking compositions.
Robert Aceto takes over on the terminal piece “Shadows of Memories”, including the “until I find you’ vocal, a gutsy sonic morsel of reflective introspection, frailty and memoriance at the altar of history. The dynamic piano and valiant trumpet embrace from head to toe, until the final moment of discovery is upon the listener.
Another masterful chapter in this very special corner of prog-jazz that exudes endless enjoyment and originality, totally engrossing nighttime music for the escape searching crowd, fed up with their inane computer gazing. Just close your eyes and let yourself go.
5 municipal images
