Using his base quartet as a starting point, saxist Alessandro Scala’s soprano and tenor along with Nico Menci/key, Paolo Ghetti/b and Stefano Paolini/dr lay the foundation of some smoking latin-based jazz. Guests Fabrizio Bosso/tp-fh and Roberto Rossi/tb take turns making the outfit a quintet as well. The loping rhythm team sets the pace for Scala’s soprano on “Mood” and the joyful “Sognare Ad Occhi Aperti, while his Coltranish tenor yearns and moans on the galloping “Dexter Blues” and “Isola Del Sole.” Bosso’s trumpet has that macho verve that gives reminiscences of Freddie Hubbard as he bursts through the clouds on “Jazz Club” and the title track while Rossi’s butter trombone is palpable on “Mood.” Extroverted joy bubbles over on these sizzling pieces that mix the best of jazz and the romantic rhythms. Roughly translated, the title means “a vacation to the stars,” and this Italian makes the trip worth while
Schema Records