HUBRIS

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.