Gianluca Petrella, on of Italy’s up-and-coming young trombonists, in generally known for his fine skills as a sideman and soloist, so it was with great anticipation that I placed this CD in the player. Would it disappoint as just another one of the many mediocre efforts flooding the market? As a sideman, Petrella performed music chosen by others. What style would he choose for his own album? Is the presence of the radical bassist Paul Rogers more then a hint? Who are the drummer and saxophonist? Of course, and to be expected just when you need them most, there are no liner notes telling the listener anything about the circumstances underlying this release, or for that matter, anything about Petrella or the recording. The album is beautifully designed, simulating an LP, and opening up to a gorgeous double length picture of a shiny silver trombone (with a bluish hue), not dissimilar (though much smaller) to the classic pullout (and must-have!) on Willem Van Manen’s famous LP on BVHaast. The personnel was thoughfully selected, too. Paul Rogers is a powerful, at times thrilling (an oxymoron?) bassist who is in great form here. The two-horn line of trombone and bari is a terrific though rarely used combination (think of Curtis Fuller and Pepper Adams) that burns fiercely when spurred by Francesco Sotgiu’s poignant drumming. The focus is, of course, on Petrella, where it should be, and he proves himself not only an exciting trombonist but a creative arranger, too. Stylistically, this one falls in the murky middle, where free improv and Hard Bop meet, if only for a moment, the sort of ground covered so well by Charles Mingus, Graham Collier, and others. This is an important recording, not only because it is good listening but because its solid performance, superb improvisations, and uncompromising style make it something special. If you close your eyes, you might associate it with the Roswell Rudd/Archie Shepp collaborations of the 1960s, although this one has less of the insistency of the 1960s. This album should enhance the little known Petrella’s standing and reputation. Here, he annunces his presence, an entree to the big leagues.
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