Alice Ricciardi
Comes Love

2008 is now coming to an end, and as usual it's time for analysis, assessments, and judgments. We look at surprises, disappointments, comebacks, new entries; rankings and judgments spread and, predictably, leave room for perplexities and some criticism. Personally, I decide to partake in this game, which I had somewhat avoided, by proposing what I consider to be MY album of the year: it's "Comes Love" by Alice Ricciardi.

Two notes on the artist in question: a Milanese singer, 32 years old, with a background in conservatory studies, she begins to make a name for herself in the Milanese scene at the "Casa del Jazz" with a few concerts. The move overseas and a flattering award obtained at the Montreux Jazz Festival allow her to be recognized beyond national borders. She is noticed by BlueNote, an important label in the field, which offers her the opportunity to record this first album under the supervision of Patrizio Romano.

The album is very interesting, of quality, almost surprising to be a debut in the studio. Let's start right away with a fact that might be negative in itself, but in this instance helps greatly and directs us towards a greater understanding of the artist: the album is comprised of 13 covers, tracks ranging from Gershwin to Dave Brubeck. There are numerous interesting elements; what stands out is above all the hallmark of Alice Ricciardi, the voice: splendid, gifted with great elegance, very beautiful. There don't seem to be any particular hesitations or glaring errors, on the contrary, a certain meticulousness is noted to highlight all available qualities. Musically, she is accompanied by an interesting ensemble led by pianist Roberto Tarenzi who also takes care of the arrangements; positively noted is also Gaetano Partipilo on sax and flute. We are presented with thirteen tracks that honor a jazz almost from another time, the sound of the album reflects certain elements of the past which, when heard today, are still pleasant and not at all outdated. To be a bit pretentious, one might have expected a bit more courage, trying to stray from certain methods and strongly aiming for personalization of the proposed songs.

It is not a masterpiece or something immortal; instead, it is an album that teases, excites, entertains, ultimately proving to be enjoyable. Recording covers in a debut album offers us a first look with interesting elements; however, it is not sufficient. It will be very interesting to await Alice Ricciardi a second time, a sort of trial that definitively demonstrates the quality of the proposal; personally, I believe we are talking about a singer with absolute future prospects. "Comes Love", album of the year for the sensations it offers and also a hope in perspective for our local Jazz.