Music Reviews

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.

Bambi Molesters, The – “a Night In Zagreb” – [Dancing Bear]

Cousin Mary   1/9/2013   A Library, CD, DVD

The Bambi Molesters are a 4-piece band from Croatia. They are often considered one of the best surf bands around. This 2-CD plus DVD set was made at a live show in 2011 and featured four special guests on sax, trumpet, keyboards, and vocals. Mostly laid back and dreamy tunes (with some exceptions such as CD2, tracks 1-4) the guests give a special flavor to some surf classics, romantic Spanish songs like Siboney, and originals. Vocals mostly have rather dark lyrics and might appeal more to the non-surf fans; still the instrumental accompaniment is full of reverb and twang.

PGM: DVD is PAL format and cannot be played on Master Studio DVD player or computer. Has not been reviewed.