Roberto Cipelli Trio . Quartet . Quintet - Moona Moore (1988)

Roberto Cipelli's first recording as a leader reflects the sensitive nature of his personality. The sound he gets from the piano is lyrical and very musical, bringing to mind the legendary Bill Evans. Added to this are some very interesting and challenging compositions aided by the closeness that Roberto has with Paolo Fresu and Tino Tracanna as well as drummer Manhu Roche and bassist Marco Micheli. With this debut album, Roberto has established himself as a performer in his own right and a composer who will leave his mark on the Italian jazz scene. ~ David Liebman. 

Splasc(h) Records, H 173, 1989
Recorded 27th, 28th November & 9th December, 1988 at Regson Studios, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Roberto Cipelli - Steinway Piano, Keyboards
Marco Micheli - Bass
Manhu Roche - Drums 

Guests:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (#A2,B1,B3,B4)
Tino Tracanna - Tenor Saxophone (#A2,B2) 

Tracks:
A1. Comina {Roberto Cipelli} (4:14)
A2. Moona Moore {Roberto Cipelli} (4:38)
A3. The Island {David Rose} (5:43)
A4. Morgana {Roberto Cipelli} (3:46)
B1. Black Orchids {Roberto Cipelli} (7:02)
B2. Smorgasbord {Roberto Cipelli} (5:20)
B3. Avalon {Roberto Cipelli} (5:29)
B4. Tango {Roberto Cipelli} (2:47) 

Total Time: 39:02 

Credits:
Producer - Roberto Cipelli, Monica Farnè
Sound Engineer - Kevin Harris
Cover Photo - Monica Farnè, Agostino Mela
Cover & Layout - Peppo Spagnoli
Liner Notes - David Liebman

Changes “Emanuele Cisi” - Small Changes (2001)

The instrumentation of saxophone and rhythm can be so humdrum that any new view from the mainstream through these lenses, however modest, is cause for rejoicing. The proof here is in the nuance, as there is almost always something brewing that catches the ear. The stamp of pianist Stefano Battaglia is found all over this engaging and sensitive set of original pieces performed by the Italian quartet calling itself Changes. Battaglia is the best-known member of the group, and while the resulting music is clearly a collective effort, several numbers (particularly the three he contributed) evidence a thoughtful, circumspect approach that reflect his personality. In some ways, some of the pieces on the album sound the way pianist Bill Evans might have sounded if he had added a saxophonist to his trios, though the interplay on the instant CD is not so radical. Emanuele Cisi's laid-back saxophone fits perfectly; even when the pace quickens, as, for example, on the bluesy "The Gambler," Cisi offers a somewhat distant, appealingly exotic feel. At least one of his two compositions, "Ravaise," though thoughtful, is less impressive than his playing. On the slower pieces, drummer Fabrizio Serra and bassist Piero Leveratto engage in the difficult task of keeping the momentum going, although on the more upbeat numbers, such as the vigorously lilting "The Happy Violone," everyone, including the usually more reticent Battaglia, marches aggressively, with considerable success. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

Splasc(H) Records, CDH 733.2, 2001
Recorded 11th, 12th, 13th September, 1999 at Artesuono Recording Studio, Cavalicco, Italy 

Musicians:
Emanuele Cisi - Tenor Saxophone
Stefano Battaglia - Piano
Piero Leveratto - Bass
Fabrizio Sferra - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Mater {Stefano Battaglia} (4:52)
2. Small Changes {Piero Leveratto} (9:41)
3. Endurance {Emanuele Cisi} (7:26)
4. The Happy Violone {Piero Leveratto} (4:51)
5. Divenire {Stefano Battaglia} (7:56)
6. The Gambler {Piero Leveratto} (7:19)
7. Trovarsi {Stefano Battaglia} (8:58)
8. More Changes {Cisi, Battaglia, Leveratto, Sferra} (5:16)
9. Ravalse {Emanuele Cisi} (6:57) 

Total Time: 63:20 

Credits:
Producer - Changes
Sound Engineer - Stefano Amerio
Cover [Forme Nello Spazio] - Giuliano Romano
Graphic Design - Luigi Naro
Liner Notes [English Texts] - Pete Kercher
Liner Notes [Italian] - Davide Ielmini
Photography - Piero Ottaviano