Gilfema + 2: Second CD, Two Guests

Gilfema + 2
ObliqSound

Gilfema is a band. That is somewhat rare in jazz, where most successful combos support a leader or occasionally co-leaders. Although sometimes all three perform together as the Lionel Loueke Trio, as Gilfema they do things the cooperative way, which is reflected in the even distribution of composing duties on their second release, Gilfema + 2.

If you accompanied Gilfema on tour, you would hear a lot of highly melodic, upbeat jazz, built atop various grooves and world music influences. You could also probably learn how to cuss in several new languages, given the origins of the band members. Loueke hails from the West African nation of Benin (official language French). Bassist Massimo Biolcati is Swedish-Italian and drummer Ferenc Nemeth is Hungarian. Where did they meet? New York City, of course. For G+2, the trio added two clarinets, Anat Cohen from Israel, and John Ellis, playing the bass variety.

Right from the introductory notes of Loueke’s “Twins,” G+2 has a fresh, clean sound. Here the composer’s vocals sound great layered above the deep rich clarinets. Nemeth’s “Question of Perspective” nicely employs voice, guitar and clarinet in unison, for another very hummable up-tempo track. For infectious funk though, Loueke’s “Your World,” lays down the most addictive groove of the CD. A killer track, it is definitely a highlight of the release.

Consistently melodic and buoyant, G+2 is probably at its most subdued on Biolcati’s cool-toned “One Mind’s Eye” and Nemeth’s relaxed “Morning Dew,” while “Salome” probably uses the darkest aural colors of G+2, allowing ample space for a bass solo from the composer. In general though, the session is an upbeat, high energy affair, as on “Festa,” which almost has a pseudo-calypso thing going on, capped off by a cool little coda from Loueke.

Incorporating a bit of highlife and bit of jam band, Gilfema play jazz you can dance too. In a way, they are heirs to Hugh Masekela, at least during his funky but still legit Chisa years (before the disco abominations). Though Loueke is undoubtedly the best known of the three, all have recorded under their own names (including Biolcati’s recent debut as a leader Persona, also on ObliqSound). They form a cohesive unit on G+2, seamlessly integrating the two guest clarinets into the mix. It all makes for a really distinct sound, as they create music that is actually fun to listen

Biolcati's Persona

Persona
By Massimo Biolcati
ObliqSound

Feel the Bergman love. Massimo Biolcati’s debut CD as a leader, Persona (on-sale today), takes its inspiration from the Ingmar Bergman film of the same title. There might be some irony in taking a film about two contrasting personalities as the jumping off point for his first opportunity to establish a distinct impression as a leader. However, Biolcati’s program of opposing themes has some bright, energetic moments.

The first five tracks (which would have been side 1 back in the day) form the so-called “Motion” program or persona. The first two tracks are direct reflections on the Bergman film. “The Beginning,” logically enough the lead-off track, starts the proceedings at a crisp tempo. “Deconstruction” is less of a flag-waver, conveying a sense of nervous energy through the guitar of Lionel Loueke. Up to this point, Biolcati is probably best known for his work with the guitarist, including Loueke’s acclaimed Virgin Forest from last year.

“Wise Way” is an appealing feature for the leader’s bass. Inspired by drummer Jeff Ballard’s work with Chick Corea, it brings to mind some of the pianist’s pleasing past melodies. The energy portion of the disk concludes with “TT (in Memoriam Take Toriyama),” which became a tribute to the late drummer, but according to Biolcati: “It’s not a requiem, as I wrote it when he was alive and full of energy, which is the way I want to remember him.”

Fittingly, the tribute to Toriyama leads into the “Stillness” program. The introspective portion of Persona starts with a vocal performance by Lizz Wright, interpreting a poem by Norwegian poet Mona Vetrhus (Biolcati is actually Italian-Swedish). The lyrics are appropriately Nordic, beginning:

“When you disappear like a barren winter time, the night under the white
Searching for your tomb and talking to the moon, you say you’ll be home soon.”

“Stillness” is an apt description for “Hopeless Dream To Be,” which has a strong ECM flavor. The Northern European vibe eventually reaches its apex with the concluding composition, “Scandinavia.” Pianst Peter Rende switches to accordion, giving the track a ghostly Old World quality.

Biolcati has penned some intriguing melodies and presented them in a thoughtful manner. Persona sounds like a real concept and not just a collection tunes, making it a strong debut for the bassist as a leader.