The young Sicilian singer comes out with a new project of six live tracks, the second of her career after ‘Live at Convivio Jazz Factory’. The album is released by the Sicilian label Isulafactory and distributed by Believe Italia.
Recorded on 15 March 2024 at the Scontrino Conservatory in Trapani with an exceptional quartet consisting of Edoardo Donato alto sax, Vincenzo Piccione Pipitone piano, Gianluca Pantaleo double bass and Giuseppe Nuccio on drums.
The project stems from the desire to explore one of the most fascinating branches of modern jazz, that inspired by the English jazz scene contaminated by contemporary classical music. In this live show, which is the result of Elisa Guarrella’s graduation concert, the focus is on one of the most significant figures of this current: the singer and lyricist Norma Winstone and her most emblematic collaborations. Moreover, the choice of different formations lends different colours and nuances to each piece.
The tracks:
DISTANCE: An extremely elegant track that reflects the sophisticated approach of Glauco Venier’s compositions. The arrangement played by Elisa Guarrella and her trio gives voice to a dialogue between the two soloists, accompanied by a melancholic and reflective pianism that emphasises the message mentioned in the text.
I DREAM TOO MUCH: A song from the American tradition that gives its title to Elisa Guarrella’s album, which later became a jazz standard. It began as a Waltz in 3/4 but is re-proposed on the album as a medium in 4/4.
SING ME SOFTLY OF THE BLUES: A composition by the iconic pianist Carla Bley. The track proves to be an unconventional blues, characterised by an atypical structure and a harmony far removed from the traditional form.
THE PEACOCKS (A TIMELESS PLACE): In this piece, the quintet wants to evoke a place where emotions flow timelessly, giving a pure and free atmosphere to this composition by Jimmy Rowles.
FOR JAN: This is one of the most significant pieces of trumpeter Kenny Wheeler’s career, which he included in the famous album ‘Music for large & small ensembles’. The piece, here played in small ensemble, is an attractive waltz that lends itself to an enveloping dialogue between voice and saxophone, both in the intro and in the final vamp.
A WISH: This ballad by pianist Fred Hersch gives us romantic, dreamy and at the same time melancholic atmospheres. The lyrics written by Norma Winstone express longing but also a certain resignation towards something that will probably never come true.
The simplicity of the piano and voice duo gives the listener an extremely intimate version of the song, laying bare fragilities and feelings.
Listen to the album, choose your favourite streaming platform https://bfan.link/ellipsism-2
