Claudio Fasoli Emerald Quartet - Venice Inside (2009)

In Venice Inside, saxophonist Claudio Fasoli pays homage to the city of his birth. The song titles show that Bean's inspiration comes from the legendary past, stunning architecture and unique atmosphere of churches, squares, cobbled streets, bridges, waterways and islands that make up the soul of this one-of-a-kind city.
In the past, when Venice was an independent republic, it was known as La Serenissima (the most serene) — despite centuries of conflicts and wars. However, what worries Venetians most today is not so much the invading army as the possibility that the city is sinking, albeit very slowly. Perhaps it is this frightening watery ending that is reflected in the melancholy of the soprano saxophone of Fasoli. This melancholy is combined with an almost reverent calmness in most of the ensemble's playing.
Most of the nine compositions start with one voice, whether it's Mario Zara's piano in "Rioters" and "Arcana", Yuri Golubev's earthy bass in "Aponal" or Marco Zanoli's butterfly wings percussion in blues. Stae."These are melodies that, like a good grappa, slowly wander, gaining strength.
Fasoli prefers the romantic possibilities of the piano to bring an atmosphere of nostalgic reflection to the music, and for most of the recording Zara's keys gently support the stronger playing of the Beans.
It would be difficult to single out any one track among others for special mention, since each track is strong and each has its own personality. Fasoli has created a seductive recording of chamber intimacy that seduces and invites repeated visits, like Venice itself.