Contemplazione

 From the very first notes, it leaves a profound mark... one finds oneself facing forty-four minutes of sublime and brilliant music.

 Put it at the top of your shopping list!

Edward Vesala's 'Lumi' is a seminal 1986 ECM album that blends Finnish folklore, free jazz, and orchestral innovation. Led by the visionary Vesala with his ensemble Sound And Fury, the album delivers a suite of nine movements filled with a wide range of atmospheres and moods. The music is disciplined yet evocative, mixing moments of tension with bursts of ethereal light. Praised for its original compositions, exceptional arrangements, and masterful performances, 'Lumi' remains a hidden gem in the jazz canon. Explore Edward Vesala’s visionary jazz suite 'Lumi'—listen now and experience this ECM masterpiece!

 A magical concert-record, constructed as a long suite, that creates ethereal images and melodic languors.

 An excellent album, full of emotions, enjoyable and magnificently played, which I highly recommend to everyone.

Abdullah Ibrahim’s Yarona is a captivating live jazz album recorded in New York with his trio. It beautifully reflects his South African roots, lyrical piano style, and rich improvisations. The album is praised for its emotional depth, diversity of influences, and superb musicianship. Recommended for both seasoned jazz fans and newcomers alike. Listen to Abdullah Ibrahim Trio’s Yarona and experience the soulful blend of African tradition and jazz improvisation live from New York.

 Everything was relaxed and under control. Precisely for this (apparent) ease… Peterson was often attacked by critics, but he was one of jazz’s greatest professionals.

 "The Way I Really Play" speaks for itself! Here lies the quintessence of Oscar: swing and class in abundance, crystal clear articulation, delicacy in the ballads.

Oscar Peterson’s album The Way I Really Play showcases his refined piano technique and deep respect for mainstream jazz repertoire. Recorded privately in 1967, the album captures his iconic style marked by smooth, controlled execution without unnecessary embellishments. The reviewer praises the high-quality recording and features of drummer Bob Durham and bassist Sam Jones. This album is an accessible, enjoyable listen displaying Peterson’s swing, class, and musical mastery, recommended especially for those seeking relaxed, expressive jazz. Discover Oscar Peterson’s legendary piano style—listen to The Way I Really Play and experience jazz mastery like never before.

 "I say there is no 'right' way to play jazz."

 "Right from the first listens, this record of '60 becomes loved like a delightful discovery; it is one of the most spontaneous and beautiful pieces of music there is!"

This review praises Ornette Coleman's 'This Is Our Music' as a landmark free jazz album and an ideal introduction to his work. It highlights the initial controversy surrounding Coleman's style and the album's innovative approach to improvisation and instrumentation. The review also emphasizes the album's emotional impact, musical spontaneity, and excellent recording quality, making it a treasured classic. Dive into Ornette Coleman's revolutionary sound—listen to 'This Is Our Music' and experience free jazz like never before!

 Charles Mingus was 'a cauldron of emotions.'

 "Haitian Fight Song" is one of the masterpieces of all jazz.

This review explores Charles Mingus' influential album The Clown, highlighting its emotional intensity and innovative blending of bebop and free jazz. The standout track "Haitian Fight Song" is praised as a jazz masterpiece, while other compositions showcase Mingus' deep connection to his musical and personal struggles. The review also emphasizes Mingus' unique compositional style and dedication to improvisational freedom. Listen to The Clown and experience Charles Mingus' emotional jazz genius today!

 Beethoven, the great architect of sound, managed to compose between 1820 and '23 one of those works destined for immortality but based on a futile, simple, banal starting material.

 The interpretation I would recommend is the one recorded in ’96 for RCA Red Seal by the young Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen, endowed with brilliant technique and great maturity and interpretative authority.

The review highlights Beethoven's Diabelli Variations as a monumental piano work created from a simple waltz theme. It emphasizes the compositional genius and the historical context of Beethoven's extensive contribution. The interpretation by Finnish pianist Olli Mustonen is praised for its technical brilliance and fresh approach, connecting moods and emotions with precision and irony. Comparisons are drawn with other masters like Bach, Mozart, and Chopin, illustrating the variations' timeless significance. Listen to Olli Mustonen's vibrant performance of Beethoven's Diabelli Variations and experience a timeless classical masterpiece like never before!

 Their artistic goal is simple yet not easy to put into practice: to demonstrate that there are no barriers between musical genres, and that music is only one, in fact two; the good one and the bad one!

 To the writer, [John De Leo] is the greatest Italian vocalist since Demetrio Stratos… every word is caressed or stabbed by his voice, often baritone, with sensitivity and peaks of ruthless irony that leave a mark.

Quintorigo's album Grigio showcases a mature and innovative fusion of styles, blending acoustic jazz with rock, reggae, and more. Fronted by John De Leo's extraordinary vocal range and emotional delivery, the group breaks genre boundaries with fresh arrangements and original compositions. The album includes impressive covers and insightful lyrics, highlighting the quintet’s exceptional technical skill and creative originality. Grigio is praised as a standout artistic achievement within the Italian music scene. Discover the genre-defying brilliance of Quintorigo’s Grigio—listen now and experience a unique fusion of styles and vocal artistry!

 Charles Gayle, William Parker, and Rashied Ali are a wonderful trio performing FREE JAZZ at the highest levels.

 Free music with high interplay represents the social equivalent of a true and fair democracy.

This review praises the trio of Charles Gayle, William Parker, and Rashied Ali for their exceptional free jazz album Touchin' On Trane. It highlights the deep musical interplay and technical skill that elevate this work above typical free jazz chaos. Gayle’s emotional saxophone playing and the rhythm section’s responsiveness create a thrilling, cohesive listening experience. The album is positioned as a modern high point in the free jazz genre, combining passion and discipline. Dive into the intense world of free jazz with Charles Gayle’s masterful Touchin' On Trane—listen now and experience musical freedom like never before!

 Music on a razor's edge, one step from free jazz; the good kind, though!

 The third version of 'Chasin' The Trane' has entered legend: 15 minutes of crazy, brilliant, terrifying, powerful saxophone improvisation.

John Coltrane’s Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings capture a groundbreaking series of live performances featuring intense improvisations and modal jazz innovations. The lineup, including Eric Dolphy and McCoy Tyner, explores exotic sounds and pushes musical boundaries. Initially misunderstood, these shows are now legendary for their complexity and emotional depth. Repeated listening reveals subtle moods and differences, especially the legendary 15-minute 'Chasin’ The Trane' trio performance. Dive into Coltrane’s transformative 1961 Village Vanguard sessions and experience the evolution of jazz mastery firsthand.

 Brad Mehldau. A genius.

 He manages to improvise on two levels simultaneously, creating contrapuntal melodic lines that chase each other, intersect, always remaining clear and distinct.

This review praises Brad Mehldau’s 'Songs - The Art Of The Trio Vol.3' as a milestone in jazz, highlighting his genius and the album’s sophisticated improvisation. It details Mehldau’s background and collaborations, emphasizes the trio’s chemistry, and applauds Mehldau’s skill in blending melody and virtuosity. Particular attention is given to covers of Nick Drake and Radiohead songs, and the reviewer admires Mehldau’s innovation and emotional depth. Discover the emotional and technical brilliance of Brad Mehldau’s 'Songs - The Art of the Trio Vol.3'—listen and experience jazz mastery today!