Succi is the front line and main soloist in this high energy but reasonably accessible modern jazz. The dynamic music has clear, developed motifs and driving rhythms that will get you moving. Synapser, which is led by composer/pianist Giancarlo Tossani, is a very tight group and the interplay between not only Succi and Tossani but also the rhythm section of bassist Tito Rantzer and drummer Cristiano Calcagnile, is a delight to hear unfold.
Stylistically quite varied, Tossani uses some electronics and both Succi and Rantzer sometimes make sounds rather than play notes. However, each piece has a rigorous developmental logic that is easy to follow.
The center third of the album, “Sounds For Swimming,” “The Fog” and “Hip Hop Zero Up And Down” provides a good example of the group’s flexibility. The first piece is an extended collage, held together as always by motifs, of vaguely water-related music with very exciting rhythmic underpinnings. “The Fog” (by John Carpenter) is a two-minutes long, beautiful and atmospheric piece that acts as a cleanser for the ears. Despite the title, “Hip Hop” does not descend to that level of simplicity, but rather builds to a much more complicated groove with Succi flying above it all. Put this on when you need a pick-me-up. Terrific. |