Tribe

Since his return to ECM eight years ago, the great Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava has released some beautiful and inspired quintet recordings: "Easy Living" recorded June 2003 with Petrella (trombone), Bollani (piano), Bonaccorso (double-bass), Gatto (drums); "The Words and the Days" recorded December 2005 with Pozza (piano) taking the place of Bollani; "New York Days" recorded February 2008 with Bollani (piano), Turner (tenor saxophone), Grenadier (double-bass), Motian (drums). After a little more than two years from the latest quintet work, here comes this new work titled "Tribe", recorded October 2010. The almost all new Italian quintet features Petrella (trombone), Guidi (piano). Evangelista (double-bass), Sferra drums, and becomes a sextet in 4 of the 12 tracks for the addition of Ancillotto on electric guitar.Results: great and highly enjoyable music from Mr. Rava, where lyrical themes and seductive and brilliant improvisations are always perfectly combined. Similarly to "The Words and the Days", the core of "Tribe" is in the remarkable and inspired interactions between Rava and Petrella, always on the forefront of this quintet/sextet. But in "Tribe" the rhythm section (piano-bass-drums) reaches an even higher level and balance, with Guidi, Evangelista and Sferra doing some really attractive work that envelopes the two horns with a warm and harmonically rich canvas. Musical atmospheres still fit in the ECM aesthetic canon, yet becoming less melancholic and more reassuring and heartening. Electric guitarist Ancillotto, with a style that could be possibly compared to the one of John Abercrombie (that recorded in the past with Mr. Rava) is a very welcome addition to the quintet. His contributions, limited to some subtle accompaniments and a striking solo, are well integrated with the work of the other musicians and further enlarge the musical palette of this great album. I hope to hear more from him in the future.Needless to say, recording quality is top notch, as usual from ECM and recording engineer Stefano Amerio at the ArteSuono Studio in Udine, Italy. Conclusions: totally recommended even if you have the other recent quintet releases, just plan some repeated listening sessions to fully appreciate this music.

Enrico rava has always been interesting musicians to record on the ECM label,he has always been on the verge of major acceptance by the Jazz afficianado,but never seems to get the recognition he so richly deserves,and yet if you listen to internet radio jazz stations his prescence is widely felt,the fact is he is a superb musician as his albums often show.1)"Amnesia"Starts the album in a very positive way,slightly reminiscent of Tomasz Stanko,of which comparissons are inevitable,This is a ballad,which deserves more plays.2)"Garbage can blues" a lovely flowing piano solo is the mainstay to this plaintive tune.3)"Choctaw"a bass led romp,this is more upbeat,echoes of Miles Davis permiate throughout.4)"Incognito" a long track that keeps the attention throughout its ten minute playing time.5)"Cornettology"is this a joke about Italian ice cream?it is light and airy with some great playing involved,the Piano and bass are particularly impressive.6)" F.express"a return to the slower side of Rava,this track is more restfull.7)"Tears for Neda"another ballad.8)"Song tree" a very pretty ,flowing tune that serves the set well.9)"Paris Baguette"Just what i could do with now,with Brie and Cucumber!!!10)"Planet earth"not the Duran Duran song,fortunately11)"Tribe"The exuberant title track12)"Improvisation"finishes the album in fine form.Not everyone will like this album,it can be a bit repetative,however it can be extremely calming and if played occasionally will improve with age,i do look forward to Rava's next album which is a live reworking of the music of Michael Jackson.64.51RECORDED 2010RELEASED 2011ECMENRICO RAVA.....TRUMPETGIANLUCA PETRELLA.....TROMBONEGIOVANNI GUIDI.....PIANOGABRIELE EVANGELISTA.....DOUBLE BASSFABRIZIO SIERRA......DRUMSGIACOMO ANCILLOTTO.....GUITARVALUE FOR MONEY*****PACKAGING......STANDARD,WITH BOOKLET AND SLIPCASE,BUT GEING ECM THIS HIGH QUALITY PRINTINGFAVOURITE TRACKS.....INCOGNITO/F.EXPESS

Lovers of the distinctive ECM sound aren't going to be disappointed with this release from Enrico Rava. It's a lovely, haunting set of songs that gel well and, taken as a whole, the album creates a sense of mystery and other-worldliness that is hard to describe in words.There are a few hard bopish numbers of offer here, but later in the album, Rava becomes more reflective and meditative, and several of the tracks remind me of Tomasz Stanko's work on "Lontano" - swirls and squirts of trumpet, played against a backdrop of cloudbursts of percussion and backing instruments. The ballads are lovely, with some outstanding accompaniment from pianist Giovanni Guidi.A satisfying slow-burner of an album, the full beauty of the music emerges after a handful of listens; time well spent indeed.

This is a wonderful album that has the free spirit of creative sounds. It is like a shamanic journey into the mysterious. There is a real bounce of rhythm and harmony between the musicians: a kingship of harmony. It’s like a firework party in a generous display of musical expression. The trumpet and piano - swagger together in arrogant boast, and there is masterly control of balance with the electric guitar, trombone , double bass, and a recurring boom of rhythmic beat from the drums....a spectacular tournament, the music sings in triumphal harmony. It is the essential album from Enrico Rava: a masterpiece. I highly recommend.

Dancing about architecture: Rava's tone is a miracle. He seems to have an inexhaustable supply of brilliant younger Italian musicians upon which to hang his estimable arrangements. I can't decide: 2465 or 2466 stars.

great stuff

This is a wonderful album that has the free spirit of creative sounds. It is like a shamanic journey into the mysterious. There is a real bounce of rhythm and harmony between the musicians: a kingship of harmony. It’s like a firework party in a generous display of musical expression. The trumpet and piano - swagger together in arrogant boast, and there is masterly control of balance with the electric guitar, trombone , double bass, with a recurring boom of rhythmic beat from the drums....a spectacular tournament, the music sings in triumphal harmony. It is the essential album from Enrico Rava: a masterpiece. I highly recommend.

A wonderful record. A relaxed mood, an ambitious band, highly skilled players, a wish to excel. It's a joy to listen to this leader and band, the way they start to swing and then take it back to a more introspective level - then start to swing again. Kudos to Enrico and ensamble. Wonderful for rainy nights and the book - or companion - of your choice.Enjoy!

I didnt understand the previous review. This crisp sounding and vibrant CD has marvellous interplay between band members, especially trombone and trumpet, which flow together very well. Track 6 has excellent guitar. Its modern and classy. My wife is getting better at guessing the jazz and ventured that it might be Tomasz Stanko. Like his new band on Dark Eyes, this too features the veteran Rava with a younger band, and is on same label. Am enjoying both CDs.