SLAMCD556 Bija – Bija

The Sanskrit term ‘bija’ means seed – the origin or cause of things. The Italian trio Bija take their beginning with a vibration, a sound from which their music grows, developing surprising soundscapes by a trio.

In addition to the Bija trio of Francesco Pellizzari (drums and percussion), Gabriele Di Franco (guitar and loops) and Marco Puzzello (trumpet and flugelhorn), this 2013 studio recording also features special guests saxophonist Emanuele Coluccia and vocalist Stefano Luigi Mangia.

In January 2012 Bija composed and recorded soundtrack for the film “The Guardian Distracted”, directed by Marcello Ciullo. In May of the same year they won the critics’ prize at the “B-Live Contest”, Lecce and in summer performed in final of the international contest “Jimmy Wood Award ’12” (La Spezia). Their song “0” won the first prize at the “Soundslices ’12.” And in August 2012 Bija won the first “Band Revelation of the Year” at Jazzup Festival, directed by Greg Burk.

Francesco Pellizzari: drums and percussion
Gabriele Di Franco: guitar and loops
Marco Puzzello: trumpet and flugelhorn
guests: Emanuele Coluccia: saxophone (tracks 5 & 7)
Stefano Luigi Mangia: voice (track 2)

“Some of the best jazz I’ve heard coming from this label…Tunes like “Ampolla” will hold you spellbound, waiting for each ensuing note – truly tasty! The gentle opener, “Cipolla”, also had me hanging on each phrase…I listened to this one over & over again, & have no doubt you will too…nine well-composed jazz pieces.” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

“Bija is a trio of little-known players and a prime example of a hidden treasure from the Italian network. The opening piece, “Cipolla” is refreshingly mellow with some fine trumpet and guitar playing a sunny theme. This music reminds me of Pat Metheny at times, especially when someone doubles the melody with their voice for a short bit. Mr. Puzzello has a superb, warm tone on trumpet which works well with Di Franco’s electric guitar. There are times when the guitar gets a bit darker and heavier yet the songs are consistently appealing. Trumpeter Puzzello sounds like Kenny Wheeler at times and takes a number of superb solos throughout.” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

“Puzello’s gentle and romantic horn working wonders as he dances with di Franco’s guitar on the gentle “Cipolla” and flowing “Gonna.” Mangia eats up the beautiful “AR” while the mix of dark guitar sounds and muted horn make Donna Oriente” and ominous delight. Coluccia’s soprano flows around some stringed musings on “Apnea” and Puzzello squeezes out notes on the trudging “Ampolla”. The band tries to sound like a bunch of surf rockers on the hard hitting “Dubby” but that’s little more than a bump on this elegant road. Impressive and freely relaxed.” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

Recorded at “Sudestudio”, Guagnano (Le) Italy, October 7-9th, 2013
Mixed and mastered by Valerio Daniele at Chora Studi Musicali, Monteroni (Le), Italy

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