Silence Quartet

"Minnie" startles from the outset with Claudio Lodati's electric guitar spouting forth a speedy and lengthy hard bop run. Rossella Cangini follows with vocalese stretched wickedly like soft taffy, and the full rhythm section, including bassist Federico Marchesano, follows suit. There are other stunning tracks, and if each one had the audacity and the temerity of "Minnie," this would be a compelling album. Unfortunately, not all the tracks reach similar heights and some are even tedious. The origins of the group's name are not clear; perhaps it refers to the use of silence as part of the overall sound or to subdued tones, each of which is found here. The drummer-leader works primarily as instigator and organizer. Lodati had a role in composing ten of the 12 pieces, and he exercises a critical position, too, as the primary soloist. Often, as on the ephemeral "Estate," he floats above the plush carpets laid down by bass and guitar, while on the forward-moving "Trottavi" he ignites with his rapid delivery. Cangini's vocals pump life into the numbers in which she participates; for example, she speaks nonsense and changes tempos on "Naioro," intertwining with Marchesano's strings and giving the tune a rhythmic kick.