Italian born saxist Emanuele Cisi drinks from the Coltrane fountain on this collection of originals and standards in a trio format with Joseph LePore/b and Luca Santaniello/dr. On soprano, he goes laconic and agonizing on “Chelsea Bridge” bluesy on “Spheres” and frisky, funky and fun on “Mama Anita.” A reading of “Inverso Calypso” has him on an autumnal tenor and reaching into his inner Rollins, and goes modal on “Wild Boar’s Dance”. Without a pianist, he walks a tightrope with his teammates, with LePore getting some space on “Where Or When” and Santaniello’s brushes and sticks working wonders on the boppish “Time Was” and driving “Warnin’ Up.” Impulse! fans will have a field day with this one.
Max Jazz