Enzo Favata - Os Caminhos de Garibaldi (2024)

This splendid work by Enzo Favata is finally available, after having remained in the drawer for too many years. Recorded in 2011 by Stefano Amerio, it was edited and mastered eight years later, but the pandemic slowed its release. Fascinated by the figure of Garibaldi and inspired by a book found in 2008, during a tour in Brazil, the saxophonist from Alghero therefore decided to dedicate a musical project to the hero of two worlds which also included the reading of some texts by Enedina Sanna. After debuting in 2010 at the Musica sulle Bocche festival, the project toured our country in 2011, for the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, and was then recorded in the studio. The one put together by Favata is a truly atypical and original ensemble, which combines in its music the decisive tone of marches and hymns, lyricism, South American and local ethnic inspirations, the improvisation of the freest jazz. The music of «O Caminhos de Garibaldi» is not at all affected by the wear and tear of time, it still appears fresh, current and engaging. Thanks to the creativity of Favata, who confirms himself as a superb creator of projects, but also to the refined arrangements of Alfonso Santimone. Their work is commendable, both in Anita 's lyrical theme and in the moments in which different musical traditions are touched upon: the Latin American ones in Boa Tarde and Habanera do Rio Grande ; the Sardinian one in Milazzo ; the classic one in Pensando que va , a reworking of Verdi's Va pensiero ; the popular ones, present both in the recurring leitmotif of Addio mia bella addio and in La corsicana garibaldina or in Garibaldi's Hymn. Everything always happens in the name of balance and coherence, also due to the unusual presence of two different and complementary trombones: those of the veteran Giancarlo Schiaffini, master of improvisation, and the young Filippo Vignato, who came to the fore here of jazz. The wind line is completed by Flavio Davanzo's trumpet and, naturally, by Favata's reeds, who alternates soprano, tenor and bass clarinet sax, taking the right solo spaces without however ever wanting to excel, a precious quality for the leader of a project that finds its strength in the synergy of the collective. The excellent rhythmic couple formed by Danilo Gallo and UT Gandhi supports Santimone's imaginative piano in the best possible way. A must listen to in one sitting!