SLAMCD548 I Giganti Della Montagna – L’arsenale Delle Apparizioni

I Giganti Della Montagna is a trio founded in 2012 by Sicilian saxophonist and composer Ferdinando D’Urso, with pianist Lorenzo Paesani and cellist Federico Sconosciuto. ‘L’Arsenale delle apparizioni’ is their first album – the music blends elements from western art music, improvised music, jazz and Sicilian folk music.

The name of the trio – I Giganti Della Montagna (The Giants of the Mountain) – and the title of the CD – ‘L’Arsenale delle Apparizioni’ – refer to the last work of Sicilian playwright Luigi Pirandello. ‘L’Arsenale delle Apparizioni’ is a place in this work where dreams and reality mingle, a place where negative is exorcised. All the compositions are by Ferdinando D’Urso except for “Due frasi”, written by Andjela Bizimoska and arranged by D’Urso.

Ferdinando D’Urso: saxophone
Lorenzo Paesani: piano
Federico Sconosciuto: cello
Antonio Moncada: drums (track 1)

“Right from the opening “Al Qantar,” the listener is introduced to a ballroom rhumba that quickly descends into spirited chaos before re-emerging into a dance. The music uses customary songforms that often quickly turn into loose improvisation. “VN” is perfect example of this. D’Urso uses a growling technique on his horn that shouts his melodic phrase. Paesani and Sconosciuto have an opportunity for a duet of free improvisation before D’Urso returns to finish the piece. The music reveals D’Urso’s fine compositional abilities and a nice assembly of performances.” – Dustin Mallory, Cadence Magazine

“What an improv adventure…from Sicily, saxophonist Ferdinando D’Urso, pianist Lorenzo Paesani and cellist Federico Sconosciuto join forces to take you on a wild romp through music you’ve never heard before – even in your wildest dreams!…very real, very down-to-earth and high-talent jazz that will melt in your mind & influence your thoughts about music for many years to come.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

“Here we have Sicilian folk music, contemporary jazz, modern (20thC) European classical elements, the sway of Klezmer and the influence of free improvisation. There is much movement between them all, but the way is never lost…The combination of this trio of instruments has a particular sound which is very moving, emotionally, yet very tasteful and cerebral…an album of very lovely music that very quickly becomes familiar, but its complexity maintains the depth of its interest.” – Ken Cheetham, Jazz Views

“Fascinating release…It’s music that often has a lot of moving parts in play, yet never loses its charming demeanour…cerebral music that is also heartwarming. The way songs alternate between challenging disassemblages and languid melodic throes adds to the album’s appeal. Something different that sounds like something that’s supremely familiar.” – Dave Sumner

“The music here has a rustic, almost majestic quality at times. It has that chamber jazz sound with elegant flourishes. There are some moments when two of the musicians will solo simultaneously (piano & cello or alto sax & piano) before they resume to theme. This music reminds me of soundtrack music for an older European (dramatic) film from perhaps the fifties or sixties. Melancholic at times yet often enchanting in its own way.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

Recorded on January 27 and 28 2013 at Sonoria Recording Studio, Scordia, Catania, Sicily
Mixed and mastered on March 11, 2013
Recorded and mastered by Vincenzo Cavalli

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