Oriundo
Zamora, 2021
9/10
The drummer extraordinaire Simone Prattico returns with a sophomore album, where he focuses on the combination between Mediterranean culture and the imprint of Afro-American music, and he’s got an all star cast of musicians for the effort.
“Quartieri Spagnoli” starts the listen with Prattico’s frisky drumming alongside bouncy bass lines from Essiet Okon Essiet, as a very adventurous version of jazz unfolds, and this creativity continues to the gorgeous, calm landscape of “Bay Ridge”, which makes great use of Rubin Khodeli’s cello and Carrie Frey’s viola.
“Helene” And “Tanger” occupy the middle spot, where the former places Edward Perez on bass amid Prattico’s precise, restrained drums, and the latter moves with my style and mystery as Klaus Mueller’s dizzying keys make a sizable impression.
“Promise Me You’ll Remember” arrives near the end and brings a sublime intimacy with its warm keys and sparse nature, and “That’s It” follows with a drum focused exit that’s also percussion friendly in Prattico’s very capable hands.
A listen that’s heavy on grooves and rhythm, Prattico and company make the most of these 8 compositions that touch on both romantic and tribal gestures, and ensure that the listener will be hanging on every unpredictable moment.
Travels well with: Eliane Amherd- La Dégustation; Adrianne Duncan- Gemini