All The Above
Audioguido, 2019
8/10
London’s Guido Spannocchi brought in some serious talent for this 3rd album, and while Spannocchi handles alto sax on the entire affair, his all star companions help flesh out these 12 originals that were influenced by urban life, club culture, and exotic rhythms.
“Moral For Cash” starts the listen with strong percussion before the snappy jazz setting emerges with Tony Kofi handling sax duties, and “Kensington Hanami” follows with warm restraint in the flowing melodies that are immediately enthralling.
Further along, “Ode To Ornette” unfolds with bouncy double bass from Gina Schwarz and elegant interplay between the instruments, while “Aria” has Filippo Galli anchoring the tune with his proficient drums.
Near the end, “Sunday Solitude” offers soft and adventurous sounds, and “Rush Hour War Chant” exits the listen with quick experimental flashes of jazz manipulation that few, if anyone, could replicate.
At nearly an hour, there’s much to absorb here, but Spannocchi and company are so skilled that you’ll be hanging on every unpredictable moment, waiting to hit repeat.
Travels well with: Abdullah Ibrahim- Mindif; Ornette Coleman- Sound Grammar