Sonata Islands are a six piece chamber ensemble from Trentino, Italy. Their focus is to play contemporary Italian music that is both classically orientated as well as jazz based. They have been known for organizing their own festivals in Milano and Trentino helping to support other
prestigious jazz and classical musicians.
Sonata Islands consists of Emilio Galante (flute, piccolo), Giovanni Falzone (trumpet), Achille Succi (clarinet and alto sax), Simone Zanchini (accordion), Stefano Senni (double bass), Francesco Cusa (drums).
Their latest CD "Meets Mahler" is a tribute to German composer Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) and was recorded live on November 25, 2011 at Zona K, in Milano. The variances in each track take you on a journey of randomness yet with intention.
The track "Non Mahler" for instance, dances from a zydeco sound, to heavy horns and more traditional Italian sounds leading you finally into flutes and drums. It's this journey in each track that sets this band apart from the average/stereotypical jazz band. On the final track "Commiato" the ensemble are joined by Tommaso Lonardi who recites the verses of Calliari.
"Meets Mahler" is an album that will excite both opened minded jazz enthusiasts and lovers of classical music.
Reviewed by John Longo on July 8th, 2014
