SLAMCD564 Improgressive – Primo

Improgressive consists of Alberto Popolla (clarinets) and Errico De Fabritiis (saxophones) a longstanding Italian reeds duo whose work is inspired by the work of British rock musicians and composers from the ’70s Canterbury music scene.

Their first album is the result of a massive arrangement work of some of the most peculiar compositions by progressive heroes such as Hugh Hopper, Daevid Allen, Kevin Ayers, Phil Miller and Robert Wyatt plus a couple of “extra” numbers chosen from the early King Crimson repertoire. Popolla’s imaginative arrangements tend to explore new relationships between melodies, harmonies and rhythms derived from songs and musics originally conceived for rock bands like Soft Machine, Hatfield and the North, Caravan and Matching Mole.

An incredibly varied, complex body of music, intelligently adapted to a new, essential sound format where Errico De Fabritiis appears as the perfect counterpoint within a passionate and tight instrumental dialogue.

Errico De Fabritiis: alto and soprano saxophone
Alberto Popolla: alarinet, alto and bass clarinet

“Clever reed duo interpretation of a nice set of prog and Canterbury themes, done with affection and care, but also with a nice improvisatory freedom. There is material here by Caravan, Gong, King Crimson, Soft machine and Kevin Ayers, along with an original by each of the two players which suggest they’re no mean songsmiths in their own right. Excellent.” – Brian Morton, Jazz Journal

“An interesting duo playing tunes with some improvisation…The highlight of this CD is the contrast between the different horns, especially the bass clarinet and the soprano and alto saxes. This is the case whether they are playing the melodies in unison or improvising around each other. Popolla uses his bass clarinet effectively on some tunes as a bass line under De Fabritus’ soprano. No surprises here. Just some nice melodic playing with some nice interplay.” – Bernie Koenig

“They create warm harmonies and melodies with palpable textures on “The Illusion” and the swinging “Sixa 35.” Popolla’s bass clarinet broods wonderfully on the lyrical “Pictures of a City” and “Radio Gnome Invisible” while soprano sax and straight clarinet bop with delight between laughs on “You Can’t Kill Me.” A renaissance feel comes for as the reeds make a clarion call on the rich “Caravan Medley” and they show they can go left of centre on the frisky “Soft Machine Medley.” Reed rapture!” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

“A duo collaboration where the 70s British Rock Canterbury scene serves as both the inspiration and the foundation for this very cool project. The intertwining paths taken by the two instruments is a joy to hear, both as an appreciation of the complexity of their patterns and the simplicity of its beauty. A couple bonus live tracks show that this duo’s magic isn’t relegated just to a studio setting. Soft Machine fans should definitely be checking this out.” – Dave Sumner, Bird is the Worm

“This is an excellent tribute to a number of our favourite seventies progressive bands/and/or solo artists…Since each of these bands and/or solo artists are/were so different, what is the common bond to this disc? It is those charming, quirky, crafty and enchanting melodies of each of the well-chosen songs here. What also makes this endeavour unique is that the music is performed by a reeds duo and a fine one at that. Hearing Hatfield’s “Calyx” as well as the Soft’s “Dedicated to You but You Weren’t Listening” is something quite special. One highlight is hearing King Crimson’s “Pictures of the City” done with two charming reeds instead of that satanic/metalish guitar sound of the original. Canterbury fans worldwide, this delectable treasure is for you!” – Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery

Recorded on May 29, 2013 by Clive Simpson
Tracks 11 & 12 recorded live at Alterazioni 2013 Lainate (MI), October 20 2013

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