The Claudio Scolari Project brings a contemporary flair to the art of group improvisation like no one else. Their new album Opera 8 follows that same old formula that renders fresh, startling results. The title likely comes from this being their eighth release of a set of works, i.e., an ‘opera.’
The core of the quartet remains drummer Claudio Scolari and his composing partner Daniele Cavalca who handles keyboards and a second set of drums. Claudio’s son Simone Scolari provides the trumpet and Daniele’s brother Michele Cavalca holds down the low end on electric bass. I don’t know if the familial ties has anything to do with it, but they certainly play like they know each other very well.
Having so many drums and using an array of keyboards could make you think this music would be dense, but it’s the exact opposite. The airiness is a hallmark of this band.
“Harmonic Canopy” establishes the characteristic right away: a spacy synth backdrop, drums that half-solos, half comps, spare chords from a piano, a ruminating bass with silent notes and a trumpet piercing the air with uncluttered, thoughtful notes. Daniele simply sets the vamp and everyone wisely pick their spots to build on it.
“Eclectic Groove Expedition” is just what this track is (as are many CSP tracks), anchored by Michele wah-wah bass. For “Decisive Crossroad,” Claudio and Michele play so freely while contributing to the rhythm and harmony of the song. “Let It Flow” impacts harder from the double-drums of Claudio and Daniele, while “Walking Distance” is a stripped down, loose funk jam.
“Necessary Loneliness” with Daniele’s tinkling electric piano and Simone’s lyrical muted trumpet tilts toward straight jazz, with a swing that only needs to be implied. No where does this unencumbered band play more freely than on “Moving Particles,” Simone able to solo effectively on the slightest hint of melody. “Primordial Forces” rides on a “In A Silent Way” Tony Williams pulse for a while, until Claudio breaks open, signaling a ratcheting up of fervency from everybody.
Within the wider realm of jazz, no ensemble takes more chances and plays more fearlessly than the Claudio Scolari Project. They raise the stakes for Opera 8, making it an especially adventurous effort from a band for which adventure is their calling card.
Get Opera 8 now from Bandcamp.
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