The team of Andrea Buffa/ts-as, Stefano Battaglia/p, Firoenzo Bodrato/b and Dario Mazzucco/dr delivers subtle and swinging jazz a la the best of ECM with this tasty release. Buffa’s serene and moody tenor breathes wistfully over Battaglia’s gentle piano on “Corale” while a Middle Eastern lilt lets Buffa and Bodrato form a serpentine pattern on “Il Ritorno.” Pensive piano and sighing alto sax float on “Messa Nera” and the whole team broods lusciously on the melancholy “Canzona.” The trio does some rich interplay on “Tapiaca Dance” just after Bodrato and Buffa play peek-a-boo on “No Sugar, Please.” Every song has a rich feeling of craft to it, yet with enough freedom to allow personal yet accessible soloing to veer in and out of the themes. A real treat. Bella!
Leo Records