Chartreuse
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
A guitarist, composer and vocalist, Gaetano Letizia is well versed in a variety of genres, many of which are present on these diverse 9 songs that welcome Bob Esterle, Theron Brown, Bill Ransom and Matthew DeRubertis and emit influences from legends like Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino across the multi-faceted listen.
The title track starts the listen with agile and intricate guitar work from Letizia, as Ransom’s fluid drumming and Esterle’s warm sax makes an indelible impression, and “Expanding Reality” follows with Letizia’s soothing picking alongside cultured drumming.
In the middle, “Paradise Found” flows with much grace and emotion unfolding amid a romantic climate and atypical chords, while “Genrecide” benefits from Brown’s key acrobatics and playful guitars lines thanks to Letizia. as funk, hip-hop and reggae are explored. “Blue Ionosphere”, the album highlight, then meshes keys, nylon guitar and precise drumming into a rhythmic and Latin flavored delivery.
Later on, “Wandering” bridges soulful, bluesy and timeless jazz nods in balladry, and “Orange Sunset” exits the listen with a swift and swinging demeanor alongside no shortage of melody and energy.
This is Letizia’s 11th album as bandleader, and it truly illustrates his varied interests in guitar textures that have been evolving since he was 15 years old. An effort that doesn’t shy away from improvisation or jazz harmonies, each track here brings surprises that you won’t regret spending quality time with.
Travels well with: Kerry Moffit & Turning Circles- What Goes Around Comes Around; Antonio Adolfp- Jobim Forever