Marco Zurzolo & Banda M.V.M. - Pulcinella (2002)

Reedman/composer Marco Zurzolo sets high standards for himself, evidenced by his latest and previous releases for this Italian record label. Enhanced by pristine audio characteristics, Zurzolo’s arrangements feature heavenly themes and Mediterranean slants amid a cosmopolitan blend of jazzy grooves and soft intervals. The percussionists steer the flow in concert with variable rhythmic metrics, whereas the large ensemble occasionally casts a semi-serious carnival-like atmosphere. At times you can imagine people dancing on the streets, however Zurzolo’s compositions provide a translucent amalgamation of big band style horn charts along with festive opuses. The artist affords his soloists ample breathing room to complement a series of punchy choruses and some cleverly articulated shifts in strategy. They even break into a Tarantella on the aptly titled piece "Tarantella Segreta." Simply stated, Zurzolo is a master, who deserves wider recognition on these American shores. His music is warm and soothing without becoming saturated with syrupy choruses. Alternatively, the musicians can turn up the heat on a split second’s notice. Highly recommended... ~ by Glenn Astarita, AAJ. 

EGEA Records, SCA 097, 2002
Recorded at Studio G.D.S., Napoli, Italy 

Musicians:
Marco Zurzolo - Alto Saxophone, Flute, Arranger
Gianfranco Campagnoli - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Matteo Franza - Trumpet (#2)
Annibale Guarino - Tenor Saxophone
Nando Trapani - Tenor Saxophone (#8)
Gabriella Grossi - Baritone Saxophone
Adriano Guarino - Guitar
Gino Evangelista - Mandolin, Mandola
Salvatore Piedepalumbo - Accordion
Pasquale De Angelis - Acoustic Bass
Emidio Ausiello - Frame Drum, Darbouka, Percussion
Antonio Mambelli, Vittorio Riva - Percussion
Ciccio Merolla - Water Drums, Tam-Tam, Caxixi, Tabla, Cymbals
Carlo Rizzo - Tambourine (#2,9)
Francesca Zurzolo - Vocals 

Tracks:
01. Jurnata {Marco Zurzolo} (5:01)
02. Tammurriata Di Donna Francesca {Marco Zurzolo} (5:11)
03. Tema Per Anna {Marco Zurzolo} (3:34)
04. Canzone 'E Giacca {Marco Zurzolo} (3:38)
05. Montreal {Marco Zurzolo} (4:09)
06. Chi È?...N'Aggie Capito...Chi È? {Marco Zurzolo} (3:54)
07. Tarantella Segreta {Raffaele Viviani} (4:18)
08. 'O Guappo {Marco Zurzolo, Raffaele Viviani} (4:10)
09. Pulcinella {Marco Zurzolo} (3:56)
10. Ballo In 7 {Marco Zurzolo} (5:07) 

Total Time: 42:58 

Credits:
Producer, Marco Zurzolo, Egea Productions
Recording - Luciano Liguori
Mastering - Francesco Ciarfuglia

Canzone 'E Giacca