Search - Arrigo Cappelletti :: Singolari Equilibri

Singolari Equilibri
Arrigo Cappelletti
Singolari Equilibri
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest
 
  •  Track Listings (15) - Disc #1


     

CD Details

All Artists: Arrigo Cappelletti
Title: Singolari Equilibri
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Splac
Release Date: 10/1/1996
Album Type: Import
Genres: Jazz, Special Interest
Style: Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 716642039024
 

CD Reviews

Varied, beautiful and deep.
greg taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 02/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a 1992 piano trio date led by Arrigo Cappalletti on piano with Hami Hammerli on bass and Bill Elgart on drums. There are four covers (look for the English titles above), ten Cappalletti originals and one duet from Hammerli and Elgart.

Like many Italian pianists, Cappalletti sounds as if he has listened to Bill Evans the most but he also has absorbed his share of Bley, Monk and Ellington. Yet the best playing on this CD for my ears are his originals. His melodies are very strong and his tunes go through a lot of twists and turns. You just never really know what the next development will be.

Take the aptly named "Labirinto". This is a seven plus minute presentation of the Cappalletti style. It starts off quiet, tranquil and very moody. It then morphs into a blues with a strong plucked presence from Hammerli. The blues phrasing get disoriented and jagged with odd harmonies and rhythmic bursts. Hammerli and Elgart become a storm but one that is never too loud. Cappalletti's lyricism keeps bursting through the odd melodic phrases. Soon everyone shifts into a propulsive two-fisted little gospel piece that fades into calm thoughtful moodiness. All of these changes just flow out of each other. Very nice.

Other highlights for me are Il Tango Dell Pianure, Singolari Equilibri and the presence throughout of Hammerli and Elgart. Hammerli has a big tone and an aggressive plucking style. He does not bow his bass at all until the 14th tune and then reveals a very contemporary approach. I am going to have to search for dates under his leadership. Elgart is very spatial allowing lots of room for his partners. He can function as a commentator or more traditionally. He can play free then go funky in a heartbeat. There is a good reason he has played with Paul Bley, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Holland, Tomas Stanko and so many others. A good deal of what makes Labirinto so special to my ears is his work.

I like the fact that Cappelletti gives Elgart and Hammerli their duet. This is an old school thing that I miss. It shows a fine appreciation of what your bandmates have brought to the table.

Overall a very fine CD from yet another player/composer who should be better known on these shores. As always, write me for suggestions as to how to get a hold of a copy if Amazon has none listed.

"