Cosmology
Principal, 2021
9/10
This is the 5th album from the Claudio Scolari Project, and much like everything they’ve done, it defies easy classification as Scolari works with Daniele Cavalca (drum set 2, live synths, Rhodes, piano), Simone Scolari (trumpet) and Michele Cavalca (electric bass) to mesh acoustic and electronic sounds into a very adventurous display of skill and imagination.
“Dark Matter” gets the album off to a percussively strong start as soulful trumpet and soft keys enter the mysterious and very stylish version of jazz, and “Magnitude” follows with buzzing synth amid a busy, precise and controlled chaos approach of avant-garde rock.
Moving along, “Zenith” recruits playful brass, playful programming, well placed keys and both a hectic and restrained demeanor to the album standout, while the title track weaves in and out of adventurous textures and timeless melody. “Aphelion”, another exceptional track, then emits a cinematic quality, where fascinating interaction between the organic versus synthetic sounds brings both retro and modern components.
Further still, “Black Hole” moves cautiously, as a calm, even sublime backdrop meets some nearly spacey sounds, and “Nebula” finishes the listen and meanders with a reflective demeanor of both meticulous and cozy musicianship.
A captivating effort that blurs the lines of free jazz, experimental electronica and avant-garde ideas, there’s no dull moment in the catalog of music from the Claudio Scolari Project, and Cosmology just might be their most luminous and daring moment yet.
Travels well with: José Luis Hurtado- Parametrical Counterpoint; Aaron Jay Myers- Clever Machines