Flo Rava

Enrico Rava's restrained trumpet playing has been regarded in modern times as perfectly reflective of the ECM sound. It is wrapped in European classical music while displaying a lyricism that goes beyond strict tonality, reaching for a soulful arena that only he can claim in the post-Miles Davis era. The emerging pianist Stefano Bollani joins Rava and veteran drummer Paul Motian for this contrabass-less trio that uses a downplayed sonic footprint, at times ethereal, but mostly calmed, collected, and serenely furnished. The compositions are mainly Rava's in hushed tones, but occasionally a modern progressive, bop-influenced, or energetic presence creeps in. Bollani's style is romantically based and postmodern in derivation, while Motian is simply one of the most sensitive drummers ever, with ears that pick up on every shading or nuance, translating it into artful percussive brush strokes of light color…

A cross-generational project by the grand master of Italian Jazz. Energized by joyous experiences on the road the ever youthful Enrico Rava took his new working quartet of the last two years into Arte Suono Studio in Udine. Here they were joined by trombonist Gianluca Petrella, an internationally noted player through his contributions to Rava’s three acclaimed post-millennium quintet albums Tribe (2011), The Words & The Days (2005) and Easy Living (2003). With Manfred Eicher producing, the five Italians recorded a program of Rava originals which cover a broad range of moods - from brooding ballad playing to fiery uptempo post-bop. Once again Rava’s playing makes it clear that lightness and intensity, elegant cool and emotional warmth are no opposites. Rava and Petrella form a peerless two-horn frontline, whether playing in unison, engaging in dialogue or taking their turns in extensive soloing…

Trumpeter Enrico Rava has proven himself adept at virtually every style of jazz, from bop through the avant-garde. For this short recording, he teams up with third-stream pianist Ran Blake in a series of 12 emotionally drenched tunes emphasizing the kind of dark, foreboding atmosphere for which Blake is well-known.

Chanson 1993 kicks the album off with a blast of pure pop energy. Enrico Rava was a flawless and timeless record. Not surprising from Enrico Rava and Chanson 1993 together. Since Enrico Rava last CD (Chanson 1993) on Sparrow Records back in 1993, I have felt a massive void in my life. Exciting stuff. Could be a tango is a bit of a show-tune. Bellflower to me is the best you can get from Enrico Rava. This track is a fabulous selection of easy listening, suitable for any age, taste or occasion. What sets Autoritratto apart is Enrico Rava’s innovative and organic way of creating atmospheres. Que rest-t-il de nos amours stands out to me for its audacious melody and sheer beauty. Parlami d’amore mariu is a catchy, up-tempo track that has influence of music streams without leaning too much in that direction.

In the late '70s, ECM began releasing a handful of recordings that adhered more closely to solid, modern jazz than to the pastel offerings on which the label had gained some renown. This date, led by Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava, was one such. Joined by the ebullient and raucous trombone master Roswell Rudd, Rava fashioned a good, old-fashioned date with pieces ranging from elegiac to stomping.

It was only after Michael Jackson’s death that Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava gradually became aware that he had for many years been ignoring, in his words, “one of the great protagonists of 20th century music and dance. A total artist. A perfectionist. A genius. I felt the need to delve more deeply into Michael’s world. There was only one way to do that: play his songs.” Thus this live album, recorded at the Rome Auditorium with the Parco della Musica Jazz Lab. Enrico’s trumpet is at its most extroverted here, vaulting above the spirited arrangements by Mauro Ottolini. Michael Jackson’s protean pop songs have never been heard quite like this. Rava is currently playing European festivals with this programme.

Enrico Rava - Italian Ballads (1996){Venus Japan TKCV 35002 rel 2007}
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© 1996, 2007 Venus Records Japan | TKCV 35002
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Post Bop / Trumpet

On this CD, the lyrical trumpeter Enrico Rava performs themes from Fellini movies, operas and classical music, along with three originals by band members. Despite its title, not all of the selections are taken at slower tempos, but there is an emphasis on memorable and haunting melodies. The results, which do not quite fit in as avant-garde or world music, are certainly jazz. Rava, guitarists Domenico Carliri and Roberto Cecchetto, and guest Richard Galliano on accordion get some individual improvisations, generally remaining within the mood of each piece while stretching its boundaries a bit. Barbara Casini's occasional vocals in Italian are a strong asset, and she comes across much closer to a bossa nova singer than to an opera star. Definitely an intriguing set.