Italian Instabile Festival CD

The Italian Instabile Orchestra comprises some of the best Italian jazz musicians to play original arrangements of Italian jazz. This two-CD set culls selections from the highly successful three-day Italian Instabile Festival held in Pisa in the winter of 1997. What makes this such a striking recording is the range and diversity of the Italian jazz represented here. The recording mixes excerpts (and time permitting, entire pieces) featuring the whole orchestra with numerous small groups. The results are riveting and often sensational. From the trombone duo of Giancarlo Schiaffini and Sebi Tramontana, to alto saxophonist Mario Schiano's classic quintet recording of the free-style "To Be Continued" to the astonishing virtuosity of multi-saxophonist Eugenio Colombo, not to mention the wildly animated big-band charts, the astonishing quality of Italian jazz is laid bare, to glorious effect. With generous recording time of more than 140 minutes, this is the best starting point for those seeking a glimpse at the thriving and innovative Italian jazz scene. ~ Steve Loewy

2-CD set features music from the Pisa Teatro Verdi in Italy from Dec., 1997 (the Tower of Pisa Theatre), including works mainly from the Italian Instabile Orchestra, as well as Gruppo Romano Free Jazz, Moers Brass Quintet and solos from orchestra members

Performers include: Italian Instabile Orchestra, Gruppo Romano Free Jazz, Moers Brass Quintet, Eugenio Colombo, Carlo Actis Dato, Guido Mazzon, Umberto Petrin.