Lenoci, Gianni and Mimmo, Gianni – “Reciprocal Uncles” – [Amirani Records]

Naysayer   7/16/2014   DVD, Jazz

Gianni Lenoci, piano, and Gianni Mimmo, soprano saxophone, have recorded a sophisticated improvisational album showcasing the skills of these two talented musicians. With subtlety on the one hand and bravura on the other, this complex and very professional piece of music explores the multitude of interactions possible between these two instruments. “Brain Prelude” starts off with an aggressive take on the piano, pulling and rubbing the strings to provoke haunting dark sounds, while the saxophone plays around with the sounds coming out of the piano. This introduction sets us up for what comes next as a masterful play of musical information, sometimes referencing classical stylings, standard jazz riff sounds or improvisational takes. Never last for a long time to get stuck. Rather they proceed with fluidity into another stance of piano and sax interplay. The music is constant but with variations, loud to soft to subtle to…. It is truly a great listen and lesson on what a duo can accomplish.