This is Antonio Farao’s sixth release in trio format – but he’s still got plenty to say. For over an hour, the Italian pianist grinds his keyboard to dust as melodic messages explode from his fingertips. It’s a jam-packed album that will satisfy even the note-hungriest punters.
Tributes is a nod to artists who have guided Farao’s journey. In fact, the colleagues in this trio have collaborated with many of those influences. John Patitucci played bass in three Chick Corea groups and worked with Wayne Shorter too. Drummer Jeff Ballard is another Corea alumnus, whose CV lists roles with Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau.
There’s a busy start courtesy of the title track, where piano riffs wriggle across clicky percussion and a bumpy bassline. Farao then launches a solo with the energy of a plate-spinner performing in a hurricane. A sonic deluge swirls around before soaking the listener from head to tapping foot.
Many of the compositions tread similar paths, but there are diversions too. Right One is gentler, evoking more rolling hilltops and fewer tornado-catapulted sheep carcases. Memories Of Calvi adds a Latin rhythm and Song For Shorter is stripped back, never quite arriving at its harmonic home – in the tradition of its late muse.
Matrix rounds things off with a rollicking frolic. It’s a Corea tune with a ragtime kick that the trio delivers at breakneck tempo. They’re clearly enjoying themselves. And that sense of fun floats out through the speakers.
Tributes is a small-group record with big performances from its acclaimed contributors and it’s high on tension – but low on release. Like your least-favourite uncle, Farao is a merciless tickler who wears the studio’s ivories down to stumps. If you’re a note-hungry listener, this will tickle your tastebuds too.
Discography
Tributes; Right One; Shock; I Love You; Tender; MT; Memories Of Calvi; Syrian Children; Song For Shorter; Matrix (64.23)
Farao (p); John Patitucci (b); Jeff Ballard (d). Paris, France, 2024.
Criss Cross Jazz 1420
