aaamusic | On 08, Oct 2011

Matt Dibble and Fabio Zambelli are jazz artists who respectively play clarinet and guitar. They met at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London nine years ago and are internationally known. Their ensemble also includes Luca Fraula (piano), Francesca Morandi (double bass) and Marco Zanoli  (drums).

Their experimental modern jazz album Minor Mood, recorded in Biot, France is released on the indie label Sonitus. Jazz fans may want to have a stiff drink before reading the apparent explanation in the next paragraph!

A key to understanding possibly lies in this interpretation of their cover artwork. Here we see a musical work in its entirety, metaphorically represented by numerous paper colours and shapes in a two dimensional pattern. A three dimensional origami design is formed when the edges of the shapes are folded and there’s increasing complexity as we proceed from one fold to the next. The act of folding might symbolise performance, the intricate construction musical layering and the shape to the rear, the final piece of music. The use of tertiary colours and subdued tones, accented with red, might reflect the music suggested by the title, Minor Mood.

 

Another option might have been to do what Led Zeppelin did and release it in a brown paper bag where the listener could provide the imaginary colour.

 

Seriously though, this original contemporary jazz album has a mild and gentle charm with considerable beauty. The compositions and improvisations are relaxing and creatively interwoven.

Track listing: 1. Minor Mood   2. At Home 3. Free 1 4. Utah 5. Just Trust 6. Free 2 7. So Far 8. Chemin de la Chèvre d’or  9. Alone Together (Dietz/Schwartz) 10. Free 3 11. Doxy (Rollins) 12. Chemin de la Chèvre d’or (Alternative Take).

 

Author: Anthony Weightman