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FRAGMENTS
Fragments
(2019 - Northern Contemporary - UK)


https://johnnyhuntermusic.bandcamp.com/album/fragments-2017-2?fbclid=IwAR3qN8L9j8wYxmps7q1zBDFEfszdFoa0-e6BmWaZ1O-AxzouANsMdtRBeiI

Just as I was coming back down from a very nice cloud, from listening to BECK HUNTERS 'Has It Been Found' (Discus Music - 2019), I get this jewel from a trio that includes the drummer of that band, Johnny Hunter. Now a new trio involving pianist Adam Fairhall and Seth Bennett (double bass), this is stunning and impossible to ignore.


Hunter started the group in late 2013. The three members sought to blend improvisation and composed works in a new method. So a 'fragment' may happen somewhere within a spontaneous improv, then spinning off into a new idea from there. And vice versa. On this debut from Fragments, only 3 extended tracks exist, however what occurs is multiple pieces revolving from one, sometimes more, and then circling back for more. The possibilities are endless and thus, the genius of the concept.

With the same precise inventive efficient strengths in BECK HUNTERS, but even further stretching with massively skilled piano master Fairhall (reminds me of a hyper combo of Keith Tippett and Keith Jarrett), a relentless bassist (Bennett), and an encyclopedic compass (the drumming of Hunter), Fragments show pure evidence of a dominion in broad stroke brilliance. Never have I heard the most perfect chemistry and interplay, exorcism of musical extension, time and space, in such tireless united buffet, as this.

This trio have a repertoire the size of Mt Saint Helens, and simply from the complete methods motivating, and muscular musical skills these guys possess, the results are amazing. Johnny Hunter struck gold. He had an enterprising idea, found two cohorts that agreed and could make it happen in a huge way. Hats off to Fragments on this magnificent recording that transcends all expectations. Invigorating free jazz with structure and no impediments, guilt, or burdens. Only buoyant, bold, and elevated spotless creations. Brainfood for the weary, lustful excellence for those who gave up on improvisation, and massive rewards for the few who will buy, sit and listen alone, without a cell phone or device in the same room.

Such an ample offering of prolific jazz, I consider this essential, and anyone who knows even a little about me, understands I am old enough to own and have heard more recordings than can fit in one large house - wall to wall in every room, all 3 levels. A HUGE RECOMMENDATION.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 4 - 13 - 2019

 
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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