Nugara: The Last Question
This is the second album from the Italian piano trio Nugara, intended to be a concept project covering all aspects of life as we know it and maybe a little way beyond. The threesome is joined by trumpeter Giovanni Falzone who, with his contribution to four tracks, adds a potent voice totally integrated into the finished article.
Composing duties were spread around the regular group, in the process presenting a varied programme of approaches, moods and impacts. The opening foray Echoes Before The Dawn has pianist Francesco Negri in rhapsodic mode over arco bass and percussion, taking us into the impressive fluctuating impetus of Three Laws. String Theory is a resplendent piece blessed by Falzone’s open-horn solo, full of growls and smears, followed by a similar impactful contribution to Flame Of Discovery.
Here We Are is a delightful ballad, the theme finding piano and trumpet in unison, before Falzone delivers a measured solo – all part of a track it’s a shame to say goodbye to. The listener is then kept on their toes, as dancing cymbals introduce Nebula, where the trio displays its flexibility.
The chirpy air of The Time Traveller, driven by brushwork at the outset, is a nod towards the song structure of yesteryear but has a contemporary approach despite the pianist’s occasional leaning towards familiar bluesy inflections. This can still be regarded as a toe-tapper in every way. On the strength of the Last Question, this group suggests it may have much to offer the European jazz scene.
Discography
Echoes Before Dawn; Three Laws; String Theory; Flame Of Discovery; Here We Are; Nebula; Eyes Do More Than See; The Time Traveller; Let There be Light… (52.30)
Francesco Negri (p); Viden Spassov (b); Francesco Parsi (d); Giovanni Falzone (t). Cavalicco, Italy, 1 & 2 July 2025.
GleAM Records AM7044
Yosef Gutman: Resisei Lyla
On this album, Jerusalem-based but South Africa-born Yosef Gutman Levitt pulls together strands of Jewish music and elements he took from years spent in New York jazz cubs. It is a fusion that tends to favour the composed Jewish components, leaving anybody looking for extensive improvisation a little short changed. But as with previous releases from the leader, the music is strong on melody and subsequently carries a charm of its own. The leader’s acoustic bass guitar is an important factor in both the mix and when on top.
He is reunited here with a group of musicians he is familiar with and consequently the ensemble is a finely tuned unit totally committed to the cause. The recording was spread over two days in the leader’s studio and mixed by multi-Grammy award winning engineer Richard King. Given the inspiration for the album, listeners might be surprised to find the last track, performed solo by pianist Omri Mor, features Moroccan music. However, it is a piyyut, a Jewish style that blends Hebrew liturgy with Andalusian music.
Discography
Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li; Kumi Lach; Mi Zot Olah; Nigun Funke; Resisei Lyla; Rachamim Rabim; Shuvi Shuvi; Sleeping, My Heart Awake; Tzei Lach; Yedid Nefesh (44.07)
Yosef Gutman Levitt (acoustic bg, b); Omri Mor (p); Itamar Doari (pc); Yoed Nir (clo); Tal Yahalom (g). Jerusalem, 2025.
Soul Song SS022