HUBRIS

Real Fusion beyond the limits of Jazz and Rock

Some weeks ago I received a package of albums from Leonardo Pavkovic of Moonjune Records, and even when I never considered myself an expert or a particular fan of Rock Fusion, I know when something is good, and the latest SLIVOVITZ release named "Hubris" is an amazing release.

Let's start saying that "Hubris" is one of the most interesting albums of this genre I ever listened to, but to be honest, they exceed the limits of this sub-gene, because apart from the obvious Jazz and Rock elements, we can perceive a strong ethnic Arabic and Central Africa influence that creates a mysterious atmosphere, so pleasant for fans of Progressive Rock as myself.

Some will believe that the lack of keyboards limits a band, but when you have such a talented guitarist as Marcello Giannini and an amazing bassist like Domenico Angrano, it's only a chance to enhance the possibilities of interplaying between all the instruments instead of leaving the lead to the keys as usually happens,

But what impresses me more of this album, is the capacity of the band to jump from one genre or style to another completely different in a matter of seconds and make it sound coherent and natural, as if this sometimes contradictory styles were created to be played together in the same song.

I won't dare to try a song by song review as I usually do, being that the complexity of "Hubris" is such that it would take me several pages, but I must say I couldn't find a single weak or boring moment.

If I have to choose favorite tracks,I would go with the haunting opener "Zorn A Surrento", where the almost hypnotic voice of Ludovica Manzo, collisions with an extremely aggressive saxophone performance by Pietro Santangelo.

"Caldo Bagno" is another excellent track, with a guitar melody that flows gently not without sudden African influences percussion explosions and of course I can't end this review without mentioning "Sig M Rapito Dal Vento" with a frenetic violin performance by Ricardo Villari who sounds like a Jean-Luc Ponty on acid playing something something in the style of "Tchokola", but with more strength.

All I can say is that I enjoyed the album from start to end, not a weak moment or filler, "Hubris is simply outstanding, and this makes the rating easier, because such an excellent release, deserves no less than 4 solid stars.

Slivovitz is an italian band that was formed back in 2001. They've got 3 albums released: Slivovitz (2006), Hubris (2009) and the newest just released by Moonjune Records Bani Ahead (2011).

Hubris starts with the Domenico Angarano's bass and his great riff that serve as a base to the double sax/vocals, in this case vocals used as an instrument, 'blame' Kudovica Manzo. Followed by inspirated saxes by Pietro Santangelo. Maintaining the hypnotic climate, percussions, as rituals, in 'Caldo Bagno', a true trip during its 7 minutes, changing from the complete tranquility to a frenetic jam session in a matter of seconds. While in 'Mangiare' we have a hunted atmosphere with sinisters sounds, cacophonic moments. 'Errore Di Parallasse', in other hand, follows a structure a little bit more conventional, reminds in some moments the good 70's, specially the bands that played with the jazz/fusion vein.

'Dammi Um Besh O' bets in a dancable rhythm, and you may feel in an italian street with musicians playing at your side, spontaneous. 'CO2' is an acoustic ballad, a little calm piece. The track 'Sono Tranquillo Eppure Spesso Strillo' is the only one with real vocals and lyrics in it (very interesting, by the way), build in a funky rhythm, guitar and bass do a great work. As a kind of bonus Hubris (2009) brings 3 remaster tracks from their first eponimous album: 'Sig. M Rapito Dal Vento' , 'Canguri In 5′ & 'Tilde'.

A very interesting album that should please the ears of instrumental lovers, specially the ones that love the italian flavour in Progressive Rock.

With one foot grounded in Ethnic Music and the other stepping into Jazz territories, Naples- based act Slivovitz was formed in 2001 with Domenico Angarano on bass, Stefano Costanzo on drums, Derek Di Perri on harmonica, Marcello Giannini on guitars, Pietro Santangelo on saxophone and Riccardo Villari on violin.Their self-titled debut from 2005 went rather unnoticed, released on Etnoworld label and having more of a jam sound, however they became more widely known after signing with Moonjune Records and coming up with a second album in 2009 entitled ''Hubris'', featuring female singer Ludovica Manzo.

Their sound is hard to compare, at moments it is close to contemporary Etnic/Jazz-Rock compatriots CAMEMBERT and CALOMITO or even 70's monster Napolitans NAPOLI CENTRALE, but definitely Slivovitz have a sound of their own.There are obvious influences from Ethnic Music coming from Balkan and African fields with long wind instrumental sections featuring violins and saxes along with some strong vibraphones, harmonica and percussion parts, always blended with some sort of MILE DAVIS' Electric Jazz parts, eventually to come up with moments of complete jazzy madness or calm waves of Lounge Jazz.As a mainly Jazz- oriented instrumental band, Slivovitz offer endless passages of improvisation and powerful guitar/sax/violin solos, some of them sound too abstract or experimental being on the weaker side of the listening, most of them though are really rich, powerful and intricate, often followed by smoother and more harmonic parts.Guitars are also a big part of Slivovitz'es style with some excellent hooks here and there. Not by any means a groundbreaking album, but a great listening definitely as it unfolds.

''Hubris'' ends up to be a really fantastic record for fans of Jazz-Rock mixed with ethnic influences, but any average Progressive Rock fan can spend some pleasant time listening to this fresh blend.Overall recommended.

The thing that strikes me most about Slivovitz is just how tight the musicians are, and how they easily move between taking lead, providing harmony or contrast and then back again. This is fusion in a constant state of flux and motion. This was the band's second album, originally released in 2009 (but also containing some tracks that were recorded as far back as 2004) and although a singer is credited he is certainly conspicuous more by his absence than for his contribution to the sound. There just isn't room for him here. Interestingly there also isn't room in the band for a keyboard player, but with sax, violin and harmonica all fighting with the guitar and rhythm section for centre stage perhaps that isn't really surprising.

What I really enjoyed with this is the way that we the guys bring in so many different influences from South American latin and bossa nova into Canterbury Scene, then Zappa and throw in all together with some European. This is all over the place, truly progressive as they refuse to acknowledge any particular musical form ' why settle for one when there are so many available and somehow you can bring them all into one piece of music? They can be gentle and relaxing, thoughtful in approach, or they can bring together a whirlwind of sound and dynamics.

'Sig. M Rapito Dal Vento' is the final number on the album, and the restraint and control are evident here as drummer Stefano Costanzo works tirelessly to drive the band along while the rest of the guys are far more laid back and refuse to go faster that is required. Well worth investigation. www.moonjune.com

I must admit I wasn't expecting a lot from this release, especially when a co-worker got it for me. I had no idea who this band was and was really surprised to find them on the site here. The next step of course was to listen to it, and while it took a few spins, this has been a cd i've looked forward to playing everyday. It's a combination of Jazz and World music I guess you could say bringing to mind the world music of AZIGZA although not as good or as in depth. It also reminded me of FULANO but again I feel it's not as good for my tastes and certainly not as dynamic as that band. Still like I said earlier this is a recording I have really warmed to and it's left me with a great appreciation for this Italian band. Love the album cover as well.

"Zorn A Surriento" opens with a bass solo(what!) before percussion joins in, then female vocal melodies and sax kicks in. This is really enjoyable. Bass, sax and drums lead before 2 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop. Next the sax gets dissonant, so good. Vocal melodies return with that earlier sound. "Caldo Bagno" features percussion and female multi-vocal melodies early on. Female vocal melodies start to lead with guitar. Great sound. Check out the multi-vocals after 3 minutes that become the focus along with percussion. Bass and guitar take over. Nice. "Mangiare" is led by drums and guitar early on, this is all very intricate then this swinging melody takes over. Demented male vocals come in briefly. Vibes follow with sax and this is all so intricate and complex. Crazy sax runs follow then that swinging melody returns before 4 minutes. "Erorre Di Parallasse" is a jazzy tune with sax, harmonica and guitar standing out. Some nice bass and drum work as well. Violin comes to the fore around 2 1/2 minutes in and that continues to around the 4 minute mark when the guitar takes over tastefully. "Ne Carne" is a pleasant laid back song that makes me feel good. Female vocal melodies help out as well. "Ne Pesce" is a favourite with the atmosphere and drum work leading off. It kicks in just before 2 minutes with the sax leading. So much going on and I Iove the bass and drum work. Great tune!

"Dammi Un Besho" is very festive sounding and uptempo. Female vocals around 1 1/2 minutes and she's so good. Sax takes over from the vocals a minute later. An interesting instrumental section follows then back to the festive passage. "CO2" features acoustic guitar and sax leading the way. This is very uplifting and enjoyable. I love the more laid back passages. "Sono Tranquillo Eppure Spesso Strillo-STRESS" is an uptempo FULANO-like tune with female vocals. The guitar is played quickly throughout. Check out the vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Male vocals follow and they are animated. She's back before 4 minutes. Another favourite. "Canguri" has lots of sax, violin and harmonica and is mid-paced. Cool sound 3 1/2 minutes in with the steady beat as the sax plays over top. Nice section 6 minutes in as the violin, sax and harmonica give way to percussion, bass and more. Back to the original sound before 8 minutes. "Tilde" is another impressive instrumental where drums, sax and violin shine. It's quite laid back and enjoyable. A jazzy soundscape 5 1/2 minutes in. The sound of water and two people talking ends it. "Sig. M Rapito Dal Vento" featrues picked guitar, random drum patterns and atmosphere to start. Sax and violin join in as it becomes more dynamic.

I am really taken with this album, it's adventerous and warm all rolled into one.