After a long artistic jazz carreer leading bands on both sides of the Atlantic, playing along jazz luminaries, Italian pianist‐composer Roberto Magris is back with a new release through Kansas City’s JMood Records, this time with his first solo album.
In the framework of the bands he played in, Magris’ solos are well-known and admired by those who have listened to his records over the years, but this time we are witnessing a compelling demonstration of virtuosity and inventiveness captured live.
The program is a showcase for his mastery and a window into his musical preferences, all pieces assembled to keep a consistent stylistic path and vibe clearly perceived throughout the musical journey.
The album begins with the powerful original composition “Blues Clues,” opening the program with intensity and spirit, filling the sonic space with that emotion and enthusiasm that permeates the whole album.
Andrew Hill’s “Reverend Du Bop” receives a buoying and bold treatment giving an adventurous edge to the original. “Bemsha Swing” continues the unconventional approach while expanding the boundaries with sparkling inventivity. The lyricism of the “Laverne”, another Hill’s composition, retains the original flavor to reach a beautiful spiritual stage that continues on “The time of this world is at hand” where the gospel vein is running subtlety through the meanderings of Magris’s vision. The piece echoes a needed social awareness clearly in tune with our troubled times.
We hear a vibrant “A Flower is a Lovesome Thing” recreated to naturally accommodate a cascade of innovative deviations.
“Let’s cool one” fast paced and modernized to embrace new striking colors. “Lonely Town” hits a reflective chord, not lacking energy; on contrary the melodic line is strong and clear, Its airy impressionistic touch bringing an exquisite tone to the piece. The album ends on a spiritual “mysterious” note with “the Saga of harrison crabfeathers” by Kuhn, carrying a cinematic impressionistic quality.
Through his music Magris sends a message to the world: freedom is the key of the artistic creation and essential as societal foundation. “Lovely day(s)” stands as an essential listen for those interested in listening one of the best voices of contemporary jazz
