Perfect Quartet

Drummer Francesco Branciamore looms as one of those rare entities in the world of small-ensemble-based modern jazz. His conceptual approach to melding multifarious rhythms with melody transcends the norm. Augmented by a recording that might seem more conducive for a chamber ensemble, this band's modern jazz approach shines forth with a union of celebratory but undeniably jazzy choruses. The musicians explore Mediterranean themes, influenced by their Italian roots. However, the soloists perpetuate an abundance of sinewy arrangements amid the rhythm section's polyrhythmic diversions, straight-four pulses, and more. Trombonist/flugelhornist Elio Amato and saxophonist Gaetano Cristofaro frequently engage in fervent swing grooves and odd-metered time signatures. Yet, the gist of this wonderful effort resides within Branciamore's compositional frameworks, where forceful rhythmic statements pave the way for a series of captivating harmonic structures, while the group's cohesiveness and loose gait serve as the paradigm for invention here. Hence, the musicians' clarity of ideas and near-flawless execution of the material elicit an overall mark of distinction. A superb effort indeed.