NATURAL IMPULSE
Claudio Scolari | Principal Records (2018)
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2018 By Grady Harp
Drummer/percussionist/composer Claudio Scolari earned a diploma at the College of music A. Boito in Parma with professor Stefano Cantarelli. His artistic career developed in two different areas: the Classical and Contemporary music one and the Avant-garde Jazz music one in collaboration with some of the most prestigious symphonic orchestras in Italy (The Scala Philharmonic Orchestra of Milano, The RAI National Symphonic Orchestra of Turin). Now he distills his talent with the CLAUDIO SCOLARI PROJECT on a new recording including the talents of Daniele Cavalca (drums, other instruments) and Simone Scolari, trumpet called NATURAL IMPULSE.

Claudio Scolari has always been focused on the study of timbre with regard to his instruments, paying particular attention to the compositional aspect and to the writing techniques of contemporary jazz, jazz rock and electronic music. His way of organizing sound elements shows a clear intention to delve into ancient sonority in which rhythm mingles with instrumental noise and timbre, supported by modern keyboards and sequencers.

It is rare that a recording comes along that is so full of sparks an new ideas while at the same time delivering and solid, extraordinarily music experience as is this masterful production called IMPULSE CONTOL. The initial creative force is Claudio Scolari who has created a trio that uses not only the traditional jazz instruments, but also uses new instruments, electronic sounds and the melodies and harmonies of modern jazz. The result is a streaming of music that seems that it has roots in jazz but then feathers in the mysterious and seductive sounds of the Middle East. This music is intoxicating the original and seductively beautiful.

The trio is composed of Claudio Scolari, drums, and percussion, Synth Computer, flute, Daniele Calvaca, drums, vibraphone, piano, melodica, bass, and Simone Scolari, trumpet. Each is a master and each contributes immensely to the overall sound.

The tracks are Unknown Destination, American Skyscrapers, Chasing Inspiration, Natural Impulse, Moon Mood, Dear John, Uptown Night Trip, Insomnia, Over the Horizon, and South Hemisphere.

This is the kind of creativity in Jazz that places it very close to what is happening in contemporary classical music at present, and so this album will not only appeal to jazz aficionados but also be a welcome addition to the library of those who want to stay abreast of sound combinations that are part of classical music developments. This is a winner of an album! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, January 18