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CLAUDE BOLLING SUITES FOR FLUTE AND JAZZ PIANO TRIO 1-7 recorded May 1997 8-10 May 1999 NAXOS Light Classics 8.554848

The Roselli Quartet
Giovanni Roselli, Flute
Alberto Alibrandi, Piano
Marco Panascia ( 1-7 ) Gianni Stocco ( 8-10 ) Bass
Ruggero Rotolo, Drums


Suite No. 1 :

1. Baroque And Blue
2. Sentimentale
3. Javanaise
4. Fugace
5. Irlandaise
6. Versatile
7. Veloce

Suite No.2

1. Espiegle
2. Amoureuse
3. Jazzy



This is music that crosses many boundaries. It cannot really be categorised, as it must surely be attractive to anyone who appreciates small group music, whether it be Classical chamber music orquartet Jazz. The contents of this disc will also be of great interest to any listener who enjoys a fine sense of form and melodic expression coupled to a first rate level of performance.

The players on this recording probably ( according to the liner notes ) are more "classical" in their backgrounds. However, they obviously have a great affinity for Jazz as the feeling for this genre is obvious, without being contrived, throughout . The flute player is more on the straight side tonally, but this is compensated for by an immaculate technique coupled to a warm virtuosic performance.Alberto Alibrandi on piano sounds equally at ease in either discipline and is possessed of a most subtle touch .

Bolling's work was originally associated with the great Jean-Pierre Rampal - James Galway is on record as referring to this player as " The Maestro " , who I had the rare privilege of hearing in concert. I can honestly say that I have never heard a flute player with such tonal mastery and I have a recording of him playing selections from this suite. However, I must say that this version of the work is well worthy of comparison.

Bolling has been referred to as the " spiritual son " of Duke Ellington and whilst these pieces offer no direct likeness there is an overall sense of commitment coupled with a certain wry humour which conjures up visions of the great composer. There is a certain reminiscent quality to some of the selections - well-known melodies often seem to be hinted at, but I will leave the listener to make uphis/her own mind on that score ! There are far too many different styles within the suites to discuss here, but, suffice it to say that the interest never wanes and the standard is wonderful throughout. At the price this disc is an essential, even for the merely curious.

Dick Stafford.

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