HUBRIS

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.