We haven't done an installment of Sunday jazz in awhile, so I think its about time once again. Today I'd like to feature Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava. While Enrico has had a very distinguished career and really helped open the eyes of Americans to the world of Italian jazz, I want to focus on one of releases that has really become one of my favorite jazz cds of all time.Rava's 1996 release Italian Ballads is a wonderful album that combines elements of jazz with traditional Italian music. The work is heavily influenced by the traditional Italian songs, operas, and also music from Fellini's movies. It is not a traditional jazz album by any means, but rather a mix of styles into a unique album that combines the melodic traditions of Italian music with the musicianship and creativity of American jazz. He even incorporates traditional Italian instruments by using an accordion on the album played by Richard Galliano, who does an amazing job.
The first song, Il Cielo In Una Stanza, is by far my favorite on the album, and is I feel the best example of the combination of elements that I mentioned earlier. I find the song to be beautiful and even entrancing, and I usually just space out and listen whenever it comes on.
-click on the link to download or click play to stream-
Enrico Rava - Il Cielo In Una Stanza
And for your listening pleasure, a couple more tracks including the closing track titled O Mi Babbino Caro, a moving close to the album as Enrico plays his version of the famous Italian aria. All in all just a great album that has a unique sound to it and I think even those who don't traditionally listen to much jazz can enjoy.
Enrico Rava - More
Enrico Rava - O Mio Babbino Caro
-Alec
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