Michele Giuliani / Reunion Platz: Roots (2009)

Achille Brunazzi

since 2010

Achille loves music and jazz in partcular

Recent articles (3 total)

Published: October 2, 2009

With Roots, the young and talented Italian pianist/composer Michele Giuliani leads a new wave of African jazz, achieving an innovative approach to world music.

Giuliani's ensemble magnificently joins different styles and musical cultures together. Africa remains the main source of inspiration, but folk, jazz and blues highlight the group's presence on the beautiful "'Till the End of the World," and on Giuliani's piano solo tribute to Miriam Makeba, "Saduva."

The music of Roots is mainly based on Afro melodies, where international vocal star Gabin Dabiré recalls the mysticism of traditional tribal song.

The project also features an Afro/Cuban ensemble, conducted by percussionist Cesare Pastanella, on "Astatke's Mood," dedicated to Ethiopian musician/arranger Mulatu Astatke, featuring a remarkable flute solo from Valerio Zaccaro, whose sound recalls the beautiful, dark atmosphere of Rahsaan Roland Kirk on Rip, Rig and Panic (Limelight, 1965).

Giuliani and his band have created a vivid and intense album that overcomes the limits of traditional musical boundaries; evocative and refreshingly contrasting some super-polished jazz records.

Track Listing: Ochun; Step by Step; Opening; Roots; 'Till the End of the World; Celebration; Faayzaneh; Saduva; Astatke's Mood; Elegua.

Personnel: Michele Giuliani: acoustic piano; Marcello Piarulli: bass; Cesare Pastanella: congas, percussion; Valerio Zaccaro: flute; Davide Viterbo: cello; Cabildo Blanco: Afro-Cuban folk ensemble, led by Cesare Pastanella; Gabin Dabiré: vocals.

Record Label: Michele Giuliani
Style: African Jazz