SLAMCD554 Indù – Juggernaut

On ‘Juggernaut’ by the Italian duo Indù, genres and different studies mix together creating an innovative synthesis: jazz, classical music, avant-garde and electronic music all blend in their original compositions, tying together harmony and experimentation, with old atmospheres and contemporary styles.

Based in Bologna, Indù was formed in 2012 by pianist Claudio Vignali and drummer Andrea Grillini, later adding a further dimension through saxophonist Achille Succi. In this 2013 studio session the duo is joined by Succi on 3 of the 9 tracks.

Except for the Tim Berne composition, “Van Gundy’s Retreat” the album is a collection of originals by Vignali and Grillini.

Claudio Vignali: piano, keyboards, synthesizer
Andrea Grillini: drums, effects
Achille Succi: saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 3,6,8)

“A remarkable spectrum array of styles from this imaginative duo: the music ranges between the dark onrush of drum-and-bass to jazz-styled things on which piano and/or Succi’s reeds dominate. At times, there are echoes of Foug Scharin’s HiM or even Frank Zappa in his Jazz From Hell/Synclavier period, but with bebop elements…No longer than the average 1970s LP, but one never feels short-changed because each track packs a punch, and often executes multiple changes of direction…The beats are punchy but with acres of light and shade. Grillini has the same kind of touch as the late Stu Martin, particularly in his duo work with John Surman, thumping but musical. When Succi is involved, the dominant idiom is closer to jazz, and his bass clarinet work on the penultimate Eyeliner combines thoughtful impressionism and swing. Vignali’s piano playing has a flowing quality that is reminiscent of American minimalism, though one of the strengths of the session is that each short piece has direction, intention and a clear sense of destination. Remarkable music.” – Brian Morton, Jazz Journal

“I don’t care what you call it, for me, this is “power jazz”… as you listen to the wonderful Rhodes work on “Icarus”, you’ll know exactly what I mean… man, this is some fiery keyboard work…the group will just blow you away…my personal favourite of the nine tunes offered up is “Eyeliner” – just loved the keyboard on this, and you’ll hear all the other instruments in their splendid glory, too!” – Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation

“The duo Indu is comprised of Claudio Vignali/p-key and Andrea Grillini/dr-effects, with a few tracks including Achille Succi’s sax and bas clarinet. The sounds? Sometimes you get plaintive piano plunking along with percussive musicings as on A.N.S’ and “Rabrofiev’s View” while some 70s funk is felt on “Phenomenal Generation.” Busy drum work and patterns proved the foundation for synthetic sounds on “Blastmaniac” and the kinetic “Icarus” while some sax adds extra texture on the busy “Eyeliner” and the cuboidal “Les Pommes Alcoolique.” A mix of form and absolute freedom here, with lots of sounds bouncing around your ears.” – George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

All the pieces are arranged by Claudio Vignali and Andrea Grillini
Recorded @ “The StudiOZ” by Andrea Grillini, Ozzangeles, Italy, in January 2013
Mixed by Andrea Caprara.
Mastered by Alessandro Maffei

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