The Italian alto and soprano saxophonist
Rosario Giuliani has proven his chops in a series of recordings for Dreyfus Records including More Than Ever, Luggage, and
Mr. Dodo.
Giuliani is joined on 2007's Anything Else by a crack band including bassist
Rémi Vignolo, drummer
Benjamin Henocq, trumpeter
Flavio Boltro, and pianist
Dado Moroni. While the solos are intense on pieces like "Walking Around" and "Conversation," it is interesting that few of the compositions are long by jazz standards, which keeps the structure of each piece tight. Most of the pieces are
Giuliani originals, save for "Three Angels" and "Hagi Mistery," written by
Moroni, and "Invisible," by
Ornette Coleman. The album starts strongly with the free-flowing title track, with both
Boltro and
Giuliani offering intense solos against the backdrop of a propulsive rhythm section. Within these three- to six-minute pieces like "Blowout," the players pack a full though never crowded sonic impact, providing solid band support for individual flights of fancy.
Giuliani is also smart to vary the pacing, pairing pieces like "Blowout" with the gentler "Danae." Anything Else closes with
Moroni's bouncy "Hagi Mistery," featuring an incredible bassline by
Vignolo, and a real workout by
Moroni. Anything Else proves to be a fine follow-up and an intensely performed set. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.