Review (Jazz Fusion): “Africannu” Sissy Castrogiovanni
What I love about Sicilian jazz singer Sissy Castrogiovanni’s music is that it
brings together different cultures seamlessly and with care. You can hear their distinct qualities yet
they fit well together similar to a well-made tapestry or tasty fusion cuisine.
Having studied jazz improvisation, vocal technique and
percussion in Italy and then gaining her degree in Jazz Composition at Berklee,
not to mention having worked with Jack DeJohnette, Bobby McFerrin and Patrice
Rushen, Ms. Castrogiovanni has acquired formidable skills which are evident in
her compositions.
She has a similar approach in her album’s concept to that of
Claudia Acuna’s, but aside from the fact that she is singing in a Sicilian dialect (which
arguably has a similar enunciation and passion to Spanish) she has a different tone
quality and employs a larger sound with the introduction of a choir of voices
over her vamp section. Not to mention
she is a soprano/alto whereas Claudia is on the lower end of the alto
sound.
I really like the beginning of the song “Africannu” that has
the sound of children playing near the beach and the sax solos over this
backdrop. It reminded me of a recording
that Dizzy Gillespie and James Moody made of the Antonio Carlos Jobim
composition “Chega De Saudade.”
This piece is in 5/4 and has a loose feel to it that makes
you feel real comfortable listening to a song in an “odd meter.” The piano and
sax solos are thoughtful and fit well within the overall concept of the
performance. Her solo reminded me a
little of Dianne Reeves yet she has her own way of phrasing and playing with
rhythm.
Her compositional skills are very apparent given that this
piece is an original. The melodic and
harmonic statements are quite complimentary and I especially like the contrapuntal
bass and piano line that ends each bridge section. The arrangement is also well-planned and
keeps the listener in a state of anticipation wanting to hear what is coming
next. This song does not disappoint and
is a great addition to a debut album.
Rating:
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