Unique blend of Native American and jazz influences
author: Keith Purtell
I didn't know what to expect from this all-instrumental CD; the work of a white jazzman performing on the Native American flute.
The initial cut – Nebula – sets the tone with a flute solo. The opening phrases are clear and high like a piccolo, and the notes sound classical. By the third phrase, Fantauzzo deftly offers a Native American flourish. The fourth phrase takes a bluesy bend like a line from Porgy and Bess, then the fifth phrase returns to a Native American feel. He plays this shifting pattern throughout the song.
Track two introduces drums and electric bass to the mix. Track three is another solo with a distinctly traditional sound. Track four – Dreamscape in Em - reintroduces drums and bass with a somewhat jazz-rock fusion feel. Track five is a haunting solo with an echoing in-a-canyon sound. The rest of the CD continues this alternation of traditional solos and jazz-rock trios.
Fantauzzo counts R. Carlos Nakai, Miles Davis and John Coltrane as influences. The recording quality on Sirocco – Winds of Passion is clean; almost none of the "ambient" electronic effects often used in Native American flute recordings. Fantauzzo is accompanied by Peter Phippen on bass, percussion and kaval, and Jason Introwitz on drums.
This CD is for fans of Native American music open to some creative blending with African-American influences. It's also for jazz fans curious about the possibilities of blending two unique musical traditions.
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Spirit meets Jazz -- Bobb takes us on a journey full of new discoveries for the
author: Sally Heinz
Sirocco brings us a dual message - one of deeply contemplative solo pieces, and of cool, quiet energy in trio pieces of flute, bass and drum. Bobb's soul is at once playful and reflective as his delightful musical thoughts come to us through masterful technique. Jazz, as heard on the native american flute, takes on new meaning. I've played this CD over and over, and never tire of it. You will not be disappointed -- this is really something fresh and new to the ear!
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