Joe Lovano – Garden of Expression (2021) [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

The debut album of Joe Lovano’s Trio Tapestry was one of 2019’s most talked-about releases. The trio’s musical concept – the Boston Globe spoke of ‘utterances of hushed assurance, lyricism and suspense’ – is taken to the next level on its second album, Garden of Expression, a recording distinguished by its intense focus. Lovano, a saxophonist whose reach extends across the history of modern jazz and beyond, plays with exceptional sensitivity in Trio Tapestry. And the music he writes for this group – tenderly melodic or declamatory, harmonically open, rhythmically free, and spiritually involving – encourages subtle and differentiated responses from his creative partners. Joe describes their interaction as ‘magical’. Carmen Castaldi’s space-conscious approach to drumming further refines an improvisational understanding that he and Lovano have shared since the 1970s. The trio is also a wonderful context for Marilyn Crispell’s solos, counter melodies, and improvisational embellishments, and her feeling for sound-colour helps the chamber music character of the group to flower. The details of the music are beautifully realized in this recording made in the highly responsive acoustics of the Auditorio Stelio Molo RSI in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher.

What if Trio Tapestry was one of the most crucial outfits in all of Joe Lovano’s long career? A year after a first album for ECM, the Cleveland saxophonist has reunited with his two accomplices, pianist Marilyn Crispell and drummer Carmen Castaldi, for an even more moving recording. Upon the release of the first, Lovano had described this Trio as “a melodic, harmonic, rhythmic musical tapestry throughout, sustaining moods and atmospheres.” Trio Tapestry, above all, had all the hallmarks of a spirited piece of jazz. With this Garden of Expression, spirituality and calm once again underline each improvisation. Lovano, who writes all the compositions, is never a lider maximo but one third of a tightly-welded unit. A unique voice driven by a desire for purity. In what is unspoken, in the notes that are left unplayed, Crispell displays astounding precision. The depth of the playing of this unfairly underestimated pianist has rarely reached such a level. In terms of restraint too, Lovano blows a light wind of saving serenity in these turbulent times (the album is dedicated to the victims of Covid): a breeze that does good and is felt as a welcome pause for recollection. Wonderful. – Marc Zisman

Tracklist

1. Joe Lovano – Chapel Song
2. Joe Lovano – Night Creatures
3. Joe Lovano – West of the Moon
4. Joe Lovano – Garden of Expression
5. Joe Lovano – Treasured Moments
6. Joe Lovano – Sacred Chant
7. Joe Lovano – Dream on That
8. Joe Lovano – Zen Like

Download:

mqs.link_J0eL0van0Garden0fExpressi0n20212496.rar

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