Psychosis- Homage To Bernard Herrman
Challenger, 2020
9/10
Listen to Psychosis- Homage To Bernard Herrman
The Italian saxophonist and composer Carla Marciano is recognized as one Europe’s brightest talents, and this 5th effort brings in Alessandro La Corte on piano/keyboards, Aldo Vigorito’s bass and Gaetano Fasano behind the drum kit as Marciano pays homage to the film score master, Bernard Herrmann.
“Theme From ‘Taxi Driver’ (Betsy’s Theme)” starts the listen with some ominous atmosphere before Marciano’s sax prowess takes over as light keys complement the free jazz landscape, and “Theme From ‘Marnie’ (Prelude)” follows with firm keys from La Corte adding much to the playful, energetic delivery.
Halfway through, “Theme From ‘Twisted Nerve’ (Themes & Variations)” recruits squealing sax and acrobatic piano to the busy display before softer ebbs of bass plucking enter, while “Theme Song From ‘Psycho’ (Prelude)” isn’t as dark as you might think, where a hypnotic execution of intricate musicianship makes this one of the album’s best.
“Homage To John Williams : Theme From ‘Harry Potter’ (Hedwig’s Theme)” finishes the listen with brass, percussion, keys and bass working together sublimely and with a hectic execution of nearly chaotic meticulousness that’s as dizzying as it is fascinating.
Marciano and company pull off an impressive outing here, where deft and daring textures are never predictable and always exciting.
Travels well with: Carla Campopiano- Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections, Vol. II; Jim Waller Big Band- Bucket List