New Jazz CD:
Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet
...and Mama was a belly dancer
(Cultural Bridge - March 7, 2021)

During the COVID pandemic, jazz saxophonist and composer Bob Salmieri put together a new project, the Bob Salmieri Bastarduna Quintet, adding organ, trumpet and vibraphone to his usual instrumentation. 

The results are melodic, and as the liner notes point out, occasionally bluesy. But, "the Mediterranean Culture has had its own Blues for Centuries, in many different shapes and forms: Rebetiko, Neapolitan, Flamenco, Jewish and Arabic music are full of intrinsic “Blues” atmosphere."

Salmieri's sax is the star of the title track, with an appropriately sensual groove that disguises an intriguing series of chord changes. There's a definitely Middle Eastern tinge to the melody and rhythms. 

Going by the titles of the tracks, it's a bit like instrumental storytelling. The vibraphone comes into the fore in the balinese dancer, its pure bell-like tones adding an ethereal layer that contrasts with the jazzy sax and drums. 

madame oculus is a track with driving syncopations and a gorgeous piano part. It's a dramatic piece that showcases the trumpet in a solo. the flying devils is hypnotic, weaving melodies together in a slower mode.

mr thunder is a standout track, a trippy venture into pure jazz. The organ is set against splashy cymbals and unobtrusive bass to open the dwarf's lover with a showcase for keyboard before the horns come in. 

It's a collection of tracks with a warm soul.

Personnel:
ginevra JOYCE: Performer; bob SALMIERI - Sax tenore; giancarlo ROMANI - Tromba;  vincenzo LUCARELLI - Organo Hammond, Rhodes piano; maurizio PERRONE - Contrabbasso; massimiliano DE LUCIA - Batteria