Paolo Fresu Devil Quartet: Stanley Music (2007)
Paolo Fresu (trumpet, flugelhorn)
Bebo Ferra (acoustic & electric guitars)
Paolino Dalla Porta (double-bass)
Stefano Bagnoli (drums)
1. Another Road to Timbuctu
2. Il Tempo del Sogno
3. Calédonian Flowers
4. Moto Perpetuo
5. Giovedì Listen
6. Dou Dou
7. Medley: Devil's Game/Labbra Bianche
8. L' Afflato Prodromo del Misantropo
9. Il Diavolo E l'Acquasanta
10. Qualche Anno Dopo
Fresu (trumpet, flugelhorn, multi-effects) and co-leader Bebo Ferra (acoustic & electric guitars, multi-effects) are nothing short of stunning here - and Paolino Dalla Porta (double-bass) and Stefano Bagnoli (drums) do much more than simply lay the groundwork to support the soloists, constantly illustrating that they're equal members of this fine quartet. These players have worked together in the past in various settings, and know each other well - a familiarity that makes for almost telepathic communication. Fresu and Ferra, from time to time, are both utilising amazing effects with their instruments - it's hard to tell if there's any overdubbing going on, or if they're managing the multiple layers of sound through electronic means. I suspect it's the latter - the tracks have a `live' feel that's undeniable. Whichever the case, it's extremely effective and contributes enormously to the energy and depth of the performances on this disc, never coming across as `gimmicky' in the least.
Kicking right in with `Another road to Timbuctu', the opener, the band plays with a bright fire that never goes out, even on the more laid-back, relaxed numbers which temper the energy level thoughtfully. I've heard Ferra play before as well (alongside Fresu on some occasions), and my lingering impression had been of a careful artisan creating incredibly beautiful music on an acoustic guitar. There are tunes here where that is the case - but when the band begins to really cook, he wields the electric guitar and guitar synthesizer to generate some pretty impressive bolts of lightning...but that beauty is always there, never sacrificing melody for volume.
Fresu's trumpet playing is almost beyond description. I remember reading somewhere that when he played a festival in Europe in the early 80s as a virtual unknown, the great Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava heard him and was astonished at his command of the instrument. His tone is clean and strong - an especially difficult feat on quieter passages - and his breath control is phenomenal. There are several points during this album when I find myself almost holding my breath, waiting for him to end a note - some of them seem to go on forever.
