LA LAMA SOTTILE

Zaal was an idea of Italian keyboardist Agostino Macor,major member of La Maschera Di Cera but also part of other Zuffanti projects like Hostsonaten,Finisterre and Rohmer.He created this project in 2002 and collaborated with many musicians,with whom he shared previous recording experiences like drummer Federico Foglia from Hostsonaten, guitarist Stefano Marelli from Finisterre,Hostsonaten and Rohmer and violin player Sergio Caputo from Hostsonaten and Finisterre.The debut ''La lama sottile'' was recorded in 2003 and released a year later on Mellow Records.

The approach of Macor on this band is definitely in a Jazz Rock vein but with obvious elements from Classical and Chamber music as well.The sound is refined and very elegant and the compositions are mainly delicate and smooth with external light interplays between the instruments.On ''La lama sottile'' you can listen to a jazzy rhythm section combining with classical piano,you can listen to fiery violin solos outbursting over symphonic synths,you can listen to DIXIE DREGS-like groovy tracks ,you can listen to Chamber music with strong cello,you can even listen to calm Lounge Jazz with smooth piano and saxes like if you are in a restaurant.Guitars are mostly absent,but their appearance adds an even more melodic content when needed.Macor prooves that way to be a very good composer and an underestimated excellent keyboard/piano player.

''La lama sottile'' is something different among the tons of Jazz Rock releases out there.It contains a heavy melodic aura and an overall pleasant and optimistic sound,but the lack of some dynamics might annoy some demanding adventurous prog followers.An album easily listened by the mass of both prog and non-prog fans.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.