Irene Amata - SEMBIANZE (2025)

From interpreter of a Brazilian repertoire, artist Irene Amata reinvents herself, becoming simultaneously the leader of a jazz quartet, a composer, and a songwriter singing in Italian, her native tongue. In doing so, she delves into a kind of personal introspection, creating an intimate work, a stripping bare, as stated in the liner notes accompanying the album. Surrounded by Fady Farah (piano), Maurizio Congiu (double bass), and JB Perraudin (drums), Irene Amata offers us a rather poetic collection where the artist sings authentically, without artifice. Musically, we discover lovely bittersweet melodies where the piano plays a prominent role within a refined and precise orchestration. Moreover, it is Irene herself who is responsible for all the arrangements, resulting, as I mentioned earlier, in meticulous work that, at times, manages to develop a playful energy! There is a great deal of finesse in the playing of the rhythm section, with, however, some moments where the double bass will concoct some beautiful technical passages.
On the drums, you'll notice a delicate touch, particularly when the snare drum is rubbed rather than struck. Otherwise, the vocals and piano are precise and nuanced, a natural result since Farah assisted Irene with the arrangements for this beautiful album. This release reveals another facet of this genuine artist's talent, as she lays herself bare here without filters!