By Josef Woodard | Published September 2021
Despite the title of drummer-composer Francesco Ciniglio’s second album as a leader, The Locomotive Suite doesn’t barrel forward with aggressive, hubristic resolve or embrace complexity for its own propulsive sake. Subtlety and deceptive simplicity are more Ciniglio’s m.o.
In part, the album distinguishes itself via the freshness of its textural palette, including the distinctive flavors of Matteo Pastorino’s loamy bass clarinet and vibist Alexis Valet’s soft touch. Ciniglio’s ensemble is pan-global, and musical patinas and reference points freely roam from Italian roots to New Orleans airs and beyond.
Brief interludes and set-ups line the way in his sweetly integrated suite, as when the opening “Laura Martina” segues into the longest track, “Locomotive,” replete with train whistle echoes and varying shades of rhythmic locomotion. The poetic soup-stirring drums-with-brushes etude “The Turtle” leads into the dramatic contours of the album’s prize track, “Concern In The Background,” an Ornette Coleman-ish long-tone melody, floats atop a brisk swing pulse which hypnotically decelerates, ending with the eight-note theme of the album’s opener.
The Locomotive Suite: Laura Martina; Locomotive; Arlene’s March; Capitano; Self-Made Man; The Turtle; Concern In The Background; 945 St. Nicholas Avenue; Mon Ange. (44:00)
Personnel: Francesco Ciniglio, drums; Raynold Colom, trumpet, flugelhorn; Matt Chalk, alto saxophone; Matteo Pastorino, bass clarinet; Alexis Valet, vibraphone.
Ordering Info: whirlwindrecordings.com
