Rosario Di Leo - Homotempus (Auand Records)

Rosario Di Leo, Homotempus: Distant worlds and different genres in the Sicilian pianist and composer’s new album

An enthusiastic and curious musician, Italian pianist and composer Rosario Di Leo has always approached music (and art in general) with a free, inquisitive spirit. Sicily-born and well-traveled, Di Leo is now releasing his new album “Homotempus” on Auand Records. Besides contemporary jazz, this work embraces prog, film and classical music.

«I do prefer not to define it at all – Di Leo says – since a definition is also a limitation. I am a music devourer, I stay away from preconceptions, although I have my preferences, of course. Too many things inspire me, so it might sound confusing. I studied Bach and grew up playing Dream Theater. I graduated in piano and jazz arrangement. I like creativity, and I see no differences. I love rigorous compositions as well as improvisation, fast rhythms as well as ethereal sounds.»

The band features longtime collaborator Riccardo Grosso on double bass, Bernardo Guerra on drums and Korea-born, Sicily-based Sunah Choi on cello. Even if all of them are amazing players – as Di Leo adds – Choi stands out in the project. «She is the real distinguishing feature of this work. I’ve always thought about the cello sound for my music, and she takes it to new, exotic soundscapes. I am always looking for inspiration from Eastern and Middle-Easter sounds, and her contribution was essential in these compositions.»

Released under Auand Records, “Homotempus” will be avabilable on Bandcamp from January 7, 2022. Singles will start being available (biweekly) on all streaming platforms from December 10, 2021.

The 11 tunes in the tracklist belong to different times and places. As Di Leo recalls, some are new, while some others are much older. «There is not a central idea, but there are recurring themes. I write a lot of diverse music. Sometimes I go back to my old material, trying to enhance it, fix it or throw it away. For this album, planets started to align at some point. The right people, the right instruments, and the right timing. I’ve been working on it for three years and I never wanted to rush it. I waited until it sounded like I had it in my head.»

While the cover depicts the leader’s hometown (Centuripe, Sicily), the album title brings two Latin words together (“man” and “time”), and it reveals a philosophical approach to the concept of time: «The obsession for time, and the attempt to control it, have always affected our species. This fascinates me and disturbs me at the same time.» 

1. Flower's Life 06:02

2. Aria nuova 06:16

3. Siciltango 04:38

4. L'uomo e il tempo 05:42

5. Far Away 06:42

6. Istantanea 06:46

7. Liens 05:50

8. Strong 03:58

9. Giant Steps 03:48

10. The Dark Side Of Mid-East 05:20

11. Grandioso ad mortem 07:04

Rosario Di Leo - piano, synth, drum machine

Sunah Choi - cello

Riccardo Grosso - double bass

Bernardo Guerra - drums

Recorded at Sonoria Studio (Scordia, CT, Italy) by Vincenzo Cavalli

Mixed by Vincenzo Cavalli and Rosario Di Leo

Mastered by Giuseppe Palmeri

Cover photo by Salvo La Spina

Graphic Design by Giulia Barbanera

Auand Records

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Sara Battaglini - "VERNAL LOVE" (AUAND AU6013) OUT NOW

Vernal Love is Italian singer and songwriter Sara Battaglini’s new project

A cross-cutting album, Vernal Love features six italian musicians (all from Tuscany) in a delicate electronic and acoustic sound fabric. Each composition, in an intimate yet dense mood, is suspended between lightness and bitterness, between what can be seen as dreamy and illogical in human vulnerability. 

Focused on the idea of absence – not only as distance or lack of something, but also as a status, like “home” – it’s a vision of life inside and outside the bubble that keeps us both safe and in chains. It’s where we reach the farthest point from what surrounds us, and the deepest sensibility towards ourselves.

It’s a place where we all know and identify the bizarre and conflicting aspects of ourselves, where we taste the uncanny silence of perfection that makes every shade bright. It’s a hymn to balance, to love and hate, to bitterness and sweetness.

We spend our entire life hiding from a reality that we constantly try to reach. Again and again, we get out and then back in this haven that embraces us and wears us out, with no logic or distinction. We’re scared when we feel vulnerable, we’re scared when we feel free. It’s two levels, one in and one out, one above and one below. A border area where you can’t go either up or down – there’s only silence, made up of the screams that we forget.

Tracks and lyrics simply narrate points of view, different yet indivisible. With variable shapes, these seven dialogues describe total and pure love that knows how to give, but also how to take.

After releasing her debut album (Dalia) with her trio, and collaborating in such projects as Auanders’ Text(us), Sara Battaglini writes and arranges her new album for an extended lineup: the rhythm section includes Simone Graziano, Francesco Ponticelli, and Bernardo Guerra, while Beppe Scardino is on baritone sax and bass clarinet, and Jacopo Fagioli is on trumpet and flugelhorn.

With an eye on a captivating, layered sound that reveals electronic and acoustic elements, the entire album soundscape has been developed and carefully crafted in collaboration with Francesco Ponticelli.

1 Siren

2 Love Affair On The Moon

3 Birdcage

4 White

5 Am I Hysterical?

6 Dialogue

7 Eerie Day, For You

Sara Battaglini - vocals

Simone Graziano - piano, synth

Francesco Ponticelli - bass

Bernardo Guerra - drums

Beppe Scardino - baritone sax, bass clarinet

Jacopo Fagioli - trumpet, flugelhorn

Federico Pierantoni - trombone

recorded in October 2020 at Cicaleto (Arezzo) by Stefano Bechini

mixed by Francesco Ponticelli at Cicaleto (Arezzo)

mastered by Tommy Bianchi

produced by Francesco Ponticelli and Sara Battaglini

executive producer: Marco Valente

cover photo by Niccolò Chimenti

artwork and design by Vieri Cervelli Montel

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Michele Tino - Belle Époque (June 2021 Auand Records)

Belle Époque is Michele Tino's debut album, out on Auand on June 4th.

A sax player born and raised in Italy, Michele Tino comes to his first work as leader after learning the ropes with such names as Camilla Battaglia, Michelangelo Scandroglio, Alessandro Lanzoni, The Auanders, Purple Whales and Federica Colangelo “Acquaphonica”.

The tracklist, entirely penned by Tino, covers a wide timeframe as well as very different styles, influences, and moods, by merging traditional and contemporary approach. A compelling lyricism pervades every track, playing with balanced dynamics and sense of proportion.

Michele Tino formed his quartet in 2018, when he got back to Florence after finishing his studies in Amsterdam.

It still features Simone Graziano (piano, Fender Rhodes, and synth), Gabriele Evangelista (double bass), and Bernardo Guerra (drums). They met and started collaborating a long time ago, and it felt natural for him to have them in his first band as a leader. This allowed them to add a deeper understanding to their already strong relationship.

Rehearsed and played live for a long time, each composition had been carefully shaped until it fits the whole album idea of density. Last but not least, Francesco Ponticelli’s contribution was precious, as much as his Cicaleto studio where the album was recorded.

1 Truth

2 Between Hands

3 Gringo

4 L'idiota

5 Chiasma

6 Ara Pacis

7 Shark's Genocide

8 Her Choice

Michele Tino - alto and tenor saxophone

Simone Graziano - piano, Fender Rhodes, synths

Gabriele Evangelista - double bass

Bernardo Guerra - drums

Recorded at Cicaleto (Arezzo) on November 6-8, 2020 by Francesco Ponticelli

Mixed at Cicaleto (Arezzo) on December 2020 by Francesco Ponticelli

Mastered at GreenBrain on February 2021 by Stefano Bechini

produced by Michele Tino

executive producer: Marco Valente

cover photo by Maria Rosaria Santo and Guglielmo Tino

inner photos by Caterina Di Perri

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Adam Booker - Lucca Live (2021 Shifting Paradigm Records)

We are excited to announce "Lucca Live," the latest recording from Adam Booker! Lucca Live was recorded at the Boccherini Institute of Music in Lucca, Italy. This exciting recording features Italian musicians, Alessandro Lanzoni and Bernardo Guerra on piano and drums.

1. Bass Intro/Sanctus 11:04

2. Orange Peanut 07:55

3. Gloria 08:02

4. Agnus Dei 08:33

5. The Tennessee Waltz 08:06

6. Kyrie 08:50

7. Agnus Dei (Rehearsal Take) 08:40

Recorded October 14 th , 2019 at the Instituto Boccherini, Lucca, Italy

Alessandro Lanzoni, Piano

Bernardo Guerra, Drums

Adam Booker, Bass

Produced by Adam Booker

Mixed and Mastered by Pavel Wlosok, Sonic Adventures Studios

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Camilla Battaglia - EMIT: RotatoR TeneT (DODICILUNE / IRD)

La cantante e compositrice Camilla Battaglia pubblica il suo secondo album dal titolo “EMIT: RotatoR TeneT”, in uscita l’8 ottobre 2018 per l’etichetta Dodicilune con il sostegno del MiBAC e di SIAE, nell’ambito dell’iniziativa “Sillumina – Copia privata per i giovani, per la cultura”, distribuzione Ird.

Dopo l’esordio di “Tomorrow-2 more Rows of Tomorrow”, questo nuovo progetto celebra in musica il concetto di “tempo” attraverso la lente della scienza e della filosofia.

Ad accompagnare Camilla ci sono Michele Tino al sax alto, Andrea Lombardini al basso elettrico e Bernando Guerra alla batteria, con la partecipazione di Ambrose Akinmusire alla tromba.

La gestazione di questa ultima, e audace, fatica discografica è durata circa due anni. Complici Copenaghen e Berlino, due città dove Camilla ha vissuto e che hanno contribuito a influenzare profondamente, non solo il suo percorso umano e artistico ma anche la sua intera opera.

In “EMIT: RotatoR TeneT”, Camilla Battaglia attinge apertamente dalla scienza, dalla letteratura e dalla filosofia. Diversi, infatti, sono stati i suoi punti di riferimento: le poesie di Sylvia Plath, le lettere contenute nelle premesse di ‘Essere e Tempo’ di Heidegger, i numeri corrispondenti alle consonanti tra le parole proclamate dal demone ne ‘La gaia scienza’ di Nietzsche e, infine, le immagini efficaci di Carlo Rovelli ne ‘L’ordine del tempo’.

"Questo bacino immenso di ispirazione - dichiara Camilla - mi ha spinto a declinare in musica il cuore di tutte queste ricerche e speculazioni, attraverso l’intreccio di cellule ritmiche e melodiche, in cui si perde la percezione comune del tempo scandita da prima, ora, dopo."

Camilla Battaglia, dunque, si interroga sullo scorrere del tempo, seguendo un processo analitico in cui la musica è dettata anche da teorie che dimostrano l’esistenza di innumerevoli realtà discontinue, che convivono in tempi e spazi diversi.

Il risultato finale è un concept album, un’opera totale, in cui il messaggio è chiaro fin dall’inizio. Il titolo del disco, e il suo inverso (“teneT rotatoR: TIME”), definiscono insieme la natura dell’album stesso che, appunto, inizia, finisce e ricomincia di nuovo.

"Stavo cercando un titolo che rappresentasse la circolarità del tempo. Sono arrivata presto a 'Rotator' e 'Tenet' - afferma Camilla Battaglia - due parole palindrome che significano rispettivamente 'rotatorio' e 'principio-origine', e in seguito ho pensato che l'inversione della parola chiave 'time' (tempo), ovvero 'emit', significasse proprio promulgazione o enunciato."

La musica che dà vita alle otto tracce dell’album è un’e perfetta tra regole scritte e improvvisazione sviluppatasi in maniera naturale, sperimentando tecniche compositive in cui tutto si lascia guidare costantemente dall’idea originaria. Una sensazione di immaginario spaesamento permette, a chi ascolta, di perdersi e ritrovarsi contemporaneamente all’interno di un apparente caos, in cui la percezione del tempo svanisce, per lasciare spazio solo agli eventi che accadono.

"The album it’s the result of experimentation with compositional techniques that mainly include the serial use of letters and numbers combined with a personal interest and passion for the concept of Time (in science, philosophy, but obviously also related to the vehicle of music).  The scientific researches that demonstrate the existence of innumerable discontinuous realities that coexist in different times and spaces are represented by independent rhythmic and melodic cells (polymetries, polyrhythms and polypulsations) dialoguing with each other as part of a whole mechanism that moves in cycles.

The compositions are linear, including palindrome lines.  The purpose of the musical expression is to lose the sense of temporal positioning to which we are accustomed: before-now-later. This is why the album could almost be thought of as a suite, rather than a collection of songs, where the beginning and the conclusion are indissolubly mixed."

Camilla Battaglia, vocals/piano/kaosspad

Michele Tino, alto sax

Andrea Lombardini, el. bass

Bernardo Guerra, drums

featuring

Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet (2, 5, 6)

01 EMIT: Rotator Tenet

02 Be still in motion

03 Same Difference

04 Event

05 Crossing the water

06 You don’t exist I

07 You don’t exist II

08 teneT rotator: TIME

Produced by Gabriele Rampino for Dodicilune edizioni, Italy

Label manager Maurizio Bizzochetti (www.dodicilune.it)

Recorded 17 to 19 April, 10 July 2018 by Antonio Nappo at Q Recording Studio/Indiehub, Milan, Italy

Mixed August 2018 by Antonio Nappo at Q Recording Studio, Milan, Italy

Mastered August 2018 by Pietro Caramelli at Energy Mastering, Milan, Italy

Photos by Erica Mela Magagnato

Francesco Fiorenzani - Silent Water (AUAND RECORDS 2018)

Il chitarrista e compositore Francesco Fiorenzani pubblicherà il suo album d’esordio Silent Water il 12 gennaio per l’etichetta Auand (distribuzione Goodfellas). Fiorenzani è alla guida di un quintetto composto da Achille Succi (sax alto/clarinetto basso), Luca Sguera (pianoforte), Francesco Ponticelli (contrabbasso) e Bernardo Guerra (batteria). 

La scelta dei membri del gruppo è stata motivata dalla loro esperienza e dalle affinità musicali riscontrate con Fiorenzani. Achille Succi vanta una lunga carriera di collaborazioni e lavori brillanti, ma è stata la sua ‘voce’ ineguagliabile a rendersi una costante fonte di ispirazione indispensabile per la trama imbastita da Fiorenzani. L’incontro con Luca Sguera è avvenuto da studenti all’interno della Siena Jazz University. 

E’ un giovane pianista molto promettente, dotato di una sensibilità rara per i timbri e i respiri nella musica che l’hanno reso sapiente nel dialogo con la chitarra. Francesco Ponticelli al contrabbasso, rappresenta per Fiorenzani l’ideale di bassista: background musicale aperto a 360 gradi ed estremamente dotato di solidità strumentale ma soprattutto di immaginazione. Infine Bernardo Guerra alla batteria, anche lui giovane ma ormai lanciato nel panorama jazz italiano, un musicista di sostanza che sempre mette le proprie idee al servizio della musica.

Il progetto nasce nel 2016 e la vittoria del concorso per giovani compositori sponsorizzato dall’U.N.C.L.A. e dal Ministero della Cultura Italiana, ha contribuito alla sua uscita discografica.

Il repertorio è composto esclusivamente da brani originali composti da Fiorenzani, dove emergono le influenze che hanno segnato la sua personalità nell’iniziare questo percorso. Il jazz è certamente il linguaggio a cui le composizioni fanno riferimento, soprattutto nell’intenzione ritmica e nello sviluppo formale del repertorio.

Sono inoltre chiare le influenze provenienti della scena newyorkese dagli anni ’90 ad oggi, dove l’ispirazione arriva dai lavori di artisti come Kurt Rosenwinkel, David Binney e Ambrose Akinmusire.

Il risultato è una musica che trova un’equilibrata sintesi tra melodie orecchiabili ma raffinate e una costruzione sapiente di armonie ad esse legate simmetricamente.

Francesco Fiorenzani guitar

Achille Succi alto sax, bass clarinet

Luca Sguera piano, keyboards

Francesco Ponticelli duoble bass

Bernardo Guerra drums

Camilla Battaglia voice on #6

Produced by Francesco Fiorenzani

Executive Producer: Marco Valente

Recorded at Entropya Studio, Perugia – Italy on May 22-24, 2017

Engineer: Gabriele Ballabio and Stefano Bechini

Cover Photo: Ester Scapini